- Even at 38 years old, LeBron James is considered unguardable
- The King is often neglected in the all-time list of greatest scorers, but his resume speaks for itself
- There are 10 NBA players right now who can do the best job defending LeBron on every possession
In the ever-evolving world of the NBA, few challenges are as daunting as guarding LeBron James. Easily considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron possesses an unparalleled blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ that makes him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court.
As he continues to defy age and maintain his status as one of the league’s most dominant players, the question arises: Who are the players who can best guard LeBron James in today’s NBA?
James is coming off a season in which he averaged 28.9 points per game on 50.0% from the field, 32.1% from three, and 76.8% from the free-throw line with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even if The King struggled with his outside shot, he was completely unguardable especially in today’s game when fouls are called for the slightest contact.
Even when James was not scoring, he was able to use his elite playmaking to set up his teammates and averaged 6.8 assists per game despite carrying a heavy offensive load. In a nutshell, stopping James is as hard as it gets.
However, it is time to identify the NBA players who, in the upcoming season, exhibit the tools, tenacity, and defensive prowess to pose a significant challenge to LeBron’s offensive juggernaut. From lockdown defenders who relish the opportunity to square off against the King to versatile forwards capable of matching his physicality, we delve into the elite ranks of players who defend LeBron James the best right now.
10. Dillon Brooks
2022-23 Statistics: 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 2.4 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. Dillon Brooks: 24.1 PPG, 7.0 APG, 51.0% FG, 24.0% 3-PT FG
Your eyes are probably rolling right now. Mainly due to his big mouth, Dillon Brooks is considered one of the most overrated players in the NBA right now. However, he did sign a 4-year, $80 million contract with the Houston Rockets and will continue to be a starter for an NBA team. The reason? No matter the hate, the man gets under the opponent’s skin and is a competitor on defense.
Brooks seems to believe that he is the greatest perimeter defender right now, and that type of delusional confidence is needed against an all-time great player like LeBron James. Brooks could not slow down The King that much in the first round of the playoffs last year as he averaged 22.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, but he only shot 19.5% from three and was often annoyed by Brook’s tactics.
Even if Brooks is the most hated player in the NBA, any coach would love to place him on LeBron James because he made the 2023 All-Defensive Second Team for a reason.
9. Xavier Tillman Sr.
2022-23 Statistics: 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.9 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. Xavier Tillman Sr.: 24.6 PPG, 6.5 APG, 51.7% FG, 33.0% 3-PT FG
Xavier Tillman might seem like an interesting choice to make the list but he is gifted defensively because of his unique size and athleticism. As a 6’8” big man who weighs 245 lbs, Tillman is a big body who can run, jump, and move his feet tremendously well. The Memphis Grizzlies actually had success with the big man defending LeBron James at times.
While Tillman won’t be the go-to defender for James on the perimeter on every possession, he can handle LeBron’s weight down low when The King is playing the power forward spot and can also switch onto him when he shoots jumpers. There aren’t many NBA players who weigh over 240 lbs that can defend all five positions if needed and he is an option to defend The King.
8. OG Anunoby
2022-23 Statistics: 1.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 2.9 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. OG Anunoby: 27.6 PPG, 9.2 APG, 53.0% FG, 27.9% 3-PT FG
OG Anunoby is an easy choice as a defender against LeBron James because he is a 6’7” forward who weighs over 230 lbs and can move his feet quickly. On top of that, Anunoby led the NBA in steals per game (1.9) and made the 2023 All-Defensive Second Team. That is enough evidence to suggest that Anunoby can be placed on any elite offensive player and make an impact.
Anunoby is incredibly strong and his athleticism will allow him to handle James in the post and also take hits when The King drives to the basket. It is only a matter of time before the current Toronto Raptors stopper competes for the Defensive Player of the Year award because he is one of the better options in the NBA to defend LeBron James.
7. Andrew Wiggins
2022-23 Statistics: 1.2 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 1.3 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. Andrew Wiggins: 26.3 PPG, 7.5 APG, 53.5% FG, 42.0% 3-PT FG
Finally, Andrew Wiggins found a way to reach his defensive potential. It took joining Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors to do it, but he managed to become one of the best two-way wings in the NBA. Wiggins was critical to Golden State’s 2021-22 championship run because he could take the best players in the world and use his physical gifts to his advantage.
Wiggins averaged over 1.0 steals per game and also came close to averaging a block a game. The swingman is 6’7” and 197 lbs, meaning he has the height to handle LeBron’s shots and also enough muscle mass to take hits.
The former No. 1 overall pick can move his feet tremendously well and it might be a matter of time before he makes his first All-Defensive Team selection. Whenever there is an elite player, the Warriors throw Wiggins on him and that includes LeBron James.
6. Jaden McDaniels
2022-23 Statistics: 0.9 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 2.4 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. Jaden McDaniels: 23.3 PPG, 6.4 APG, 47.5% FG, 32.5% 3-PT FG
Remember the name: Jaden McDaniels. The talented forward is obsessed with playing defense and he is always the player the Minnesota Timberwolves put on the game’s greatest offensive players. The 6’9” forward is incredibly long but can move like a guard with quick hands and feet against the quickest and strongest players.
McDaniels will always be placed on LeBron James because he is the same height and while he is slender, he is incredibly lengthy with long arms. Considering James is nearly 39 years old, McDaniels can quickly move with The King and not let a single possession go without a battle. Defense is often about effort more than talent, but McDaniels has both.
5. Jimmy Butler
2022-23 Statistics: 1.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 2.9 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. Jimmy Butler: 26.3 PPG, 7.7 APG, 50.6% FG, 33.5% 3-PT FG
Jimmy Butler is a monster on the defensive end and he has built a career out of hard work, determination, and being a winning player. The 6’7” swingman was a former No. 30 overall pick but worked his way to stardom. When it comes to defending LeBron James, Butler is one of the perfect candidates. He is 6’7” and weighs 230 lbs of muscle, meaning he can bang with The King.
Butler’s defense comes down to playing passing lanes, bothering ball-handlers, and moving his feet to stay with the elite scorer across from him. Jimmy has made five All-Defensive Team selections and won a steals title in the 2020-21 season. Defending LeBron requires a player who is strong and fast, and Butler is clearly the definition of both.
4. Draymond Green
2022-23 Statistics: 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 3.1 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. Draymond Green: 28.6 PPG, 7.6 APG, 48.7% FG, 34.2% 3-PT FG
Draymond Green stands out as one of the best options to defend LeBron James in the NBA, and their Finals history as opponents further underscore this point. Green’s defensive prowess, basketball IQ, and versatility make him a formidable adversary for LeBron, and their memorable encounters in the NBA Finals have showcased his ability to make life difficult for the King.
Green can guard multiple positions effectively, from guarding guards on the perimeter to defending centers in the post and this versatility allows him to adapt to LeBron’s multifaceted game. Draymond is also not afraid to get physical and use his strength to disrupt LeBron’s rhythm (even if it involves dirty tactics).
Perhaps most importantly, Green’s intensity and competitiveness make him a relentless defender. He doesn’t back down from challenges and embraces the opportunity to guard the best players in critical moments, such as LeBron in the NBA Finals.
3. Kawhi Leonard
2022-23 Statistics: 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 2.2 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. Kawhi Leonard: 25.8 PPG, 6.7 APG, 48.2% FG, 39.3% 3-PT FG
Kawhi Leonard is renowned for his lockdown defense. He possesses exceptional perimeter defensive skills, with quick large hands, strong on-ball defense, and the ability to contest shots effectively. These attributes are crucial when guarding LeBron, who relies on his scoring ability both inside and outside.
His combination of size and physicality makes him a formidable opponent for LeBron. Standing at 6’7″ with a strong build, Leonard can absorb contact and challenge LeBron’s drives to the basket. His length also allows him to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes.
Their Finals history as opponents is a significant factor. Leonard famously won NBA Finals MVP awards when leading the San Antonio Spurs against LeBron’s Miami Heat in 2014 and his performances on defense allowed him to arrive on the big stage as a superstar player. As one of the best two-way players ever, Leonard is an excellent choice to defend LeBron James on any occasion.
2. Aaron Gordon
2022-23 Statistics: 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.2 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. Aaron Gordon: 23.8 PPG, 7.5 APG, 49.6% FG, 28.3% 3-PT FG
Aaron Gordon has become one of the most valuable starters in the NBA due to his defense and athleticism. At 6’8” and a muscle-bound 235 lbs, Gordon has the size to handle the most dominant players in the NBA which is why he was the designated “LeBron stopper” in the Western Conference Finals last season.
Gordon did a tremendous job against James, limiting him to only 26.9% shooting from three, and did his best to not let him carry the offense singlehandedly. James averaged 27.8 points per game in the series, but his outside shooting was poor and that was because Gordon forced him outside as much as possible and contested the shots. Due to his size, determination, and new-found identity, Gordon is one of the best defenders in the NBA right now.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2022-23 Statistics: 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 3.7 DWS (Defensive Win Shares)
LeBron James Stats Vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 28.0 PPG, 7.3 APG, 53.4% FG, 44.1% 3-PT FG
Giannis Antetokounmpo possesses an extraordinary combination of size, length, and athleticism. Standing at 6’11” with a wingspan that seems to stretch for miles, he has the physical tools to disrupt LeBron’s passing lanes, contest his shots, and contest his drives to the basket.
Even with his physical gifts, Giannis has an excellent basketball IQ, allowing him to read the game well and anticipate LeBron’s moves. He’s capable of making quick decisions, such as when to help on drives or when to close out on three-point shooters, which is crucial when defending LeBron, a gifted passer and playmaker.
With a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name and five All-Defensive Team selections on the resume, Giannis is one of the most gifted defensive players of all time and it shows with his incredible 3.7 defensive win shares rating. Antetokounmpo is taller than James, weighs over 240 lbs, and has the explosiveness to handle The King. Out of all the defenders in the NBA, Giannis is the best to place on LeBron James.
