LeBron James, Jalen Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has long made it a habit to track emerging talent across the NBA, especially players whose games stretch beyond traditional box-score roles. On the latest episode of Mind the Game, James zeroed in on one of the league’s fastest-rising forwards, Atlanta Hawks standout Jalen Johnson, and reached deep into basketball history to frame his ceiling, per The Sports Rush.
Johnson’s growth this season has not gone unnoticed. The fifth-year forward has lifted his scoring from 18.9 points per game last season to 23.7, while also posting career-best efficiency from both three-point range and the free throw line. His leap has extended well beyond scoring. Johnson now rebounds at a personal high rate and has turned into a legitimate playmaking hub, averaging 8.4 assists per game after sitting at 5.0 a year ago.
That blend of size, versatility, and passing prompted James to invoke a Hall of Fame name.
LeBron Sees Familiar Traits in Johnson’s Game
“I mention Scottie Pippen,” James said during the podcast discussion with Steve Nash. “And obviously he has a long way to go, but as far as the talent, you look at a guy with long arms, 6’9”, 6’10”, runs like a deer, super athletic.”
James broke down the areas that stand out most. He pointed to Johnson’s improved outside touch, his ability to put pressure on the rim, and his impact on the glass. Defense and versatility also factored heavily into the comparison, with James highlighting Johnson’s ability to guard multiple positions while continuing to grow as a playmaker.
“One thing about our league, it’s all about confidence and opportunity,” James added. “I love his ceiling.”
Nash echoed that sentiment. He framed this season as the first time Johnson has carried sustained responsibility, and noted how well the Hawks forward has responded. “With some health, I think he’s a perennial All-Star,” Nash said. “This is the first year he’s really had this much responsibility and he’s coming through.”
Health, Opportunity, and Atlanta’s Changing Picture
Availability has shaped Johnson’s career arc as much as talent. Across his first four seasons, he appeared in 184 of a possible 328 games, largely due to a fractured wrist in 2023. The following year ended early because of a torn labrum, after a rookie season that included time bouncing between the G League and the NBA.
This season has looked different. Johnson has played in 34 of a possible 38 games so far, allowing his expanded role to take hold. He has tied Josh Giddey for second in the league with seven triple-doubles and has helped keep Atlanta competitive despite Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis combining for just 26 games played.
With reports indicating the Hawks and Young are jointly exploring potential trades, Johnson’s emergence has taken on added weight. His steady year-over-year improvement has positioned him as a foundational piece as Atlanta evaluates its future.
James, now 41 and nearing the end of his career, made clear why moments like this resonate. “I just love the improvement,” he said. “I love seeing that in this league, where guys take advantage of their situation and apply the work they put in.”
James will get a firsthand look at Johnson’s progress next week when the Hawks visit Los Angeles. The comparison to Pippen may set a high bar, but as James made clear, the trajectory alone has already earned league-wide respect.