LeBron James is praising Portland's Deni Avdija for his breakout 2025-26 season: "He's a big-time player. He's really good."
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix, AP - Scanpix
Credit IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect - Scanpix, AP - Scanpix
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is in Year 23 and has seen countless players elevate their game over the years.
Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija
MIN: 35.17
PTS: 25.86 (58.72%)
REB: 7.3
As: 7.14
ST: 0.78
BL: 0.62
TO: 3.81
GM: 37
For the 2025-26 campaign, though, one player who has truly stood out to him is Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija.
"He's had a breakout career year so far. [Washington is probably] kicking themselves. He's a quality player," James said on the Mind the Game podcast. "He's a big-time player. He's good. He's really good."
LeBron also noted that he has been particularly impressed by Avdija's physical style of play, highlighting his aggressive drives to the basket and ability to draw fouls from defenders.
Credit AP Photo/Amanda Loman
Now 25, Avdija is putting together the best season of his career. Through 37 games, he is averaging 25.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists — all career highs.
His strong performances have earned him a spot in the top 10 of Western Conference All-Star fan voting after the first returns.
Avdija is in his second season with the Trail Blazers after being acquired in a trade from the Washington Wizards.
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