Tracy McGrady was recently a guest on "The Makeshift Podcast" and the NBA legend called out Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James' one-on-one skills.
While McGrady praised LeBron's longevity, the Hall of Famer said The King wouldn't beat many players in a one-on-one game.
"I think LeBron has been amazing for 22 freaking years," McGrady said. "And he's been the best basketball player for God knows how long. But if you put him in one-on-one, I think he'll get crushed. Yeah, I think he'll get crushed amongst guys that are actually in the NBA. And I'm sure LeBron would tell you that.
"Because his game is naturally built for five-on-five. He's not a one-on-one basketball player. Kobe (Bryant) is a one-on-one basketball player. Kyrie (Irving) is a one-on-one basketball player. James Harden, these guys are one-on-one basketball players. And LeBron can't do anything with that."
LeBron is the leading scorer in NBA history. He's a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP.
However, past players always find something to nitpick about his game, which is certainly odd.
LeBron, who has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Lakers, is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists, the only player to win three Finals MVPs with three different teams, the only player with 40,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 career assists and the only player to score 50,000 points combining the regular season and playoffs.
This season for the Lakers, LeBron is averaging 24.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 8.4 assists while shooting 51.0% from the field, 37.4% from beyond the arc and 77.1% from the free-throw line.
He's still putting up elite numbers despite being the oldest player (40) in the league.
Related: Steph Curry Passes LeBron James on NBA History List
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This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 10:39 AM.