LeBron James is still playing top-level basketball, even as he enters his 23rd NBA season at the age of 40. The basketball legend, often called the greatest of all time, continues to earn big honours — making the All-NBA Second Team in 2024-25.
Over his 22 years in the league, LeBron has achieved more than most players ever will. He recently made his 21st straight All-Star and All-NBA team — something no one has done before. Known for his strength, athleticism, and discipline, he’s still outplaying most younger players.
But LeBron doesn’t just focus on himself. After a tough loss to the Denver Nuggets in March 2024 — LA’s eighth straight defeat to Nikola Jokic’s team — LeBron spoke honestly about which players in today’s game are the hardest to stop.
Surprisingly, he left out rising stars like Victor Wembanyama, but his list still included some of the most respected names in basketball. Here are the six players LeBron believes are the most unstoppable right now:
6. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant, now in his mid-30s, still strikes fear into defenders. LeBron and KD have battled many times, including three NBA Finals matchups, and Durant was named Finals MVP twice.
Though he’s lost some athleticism due to injuries, Durant’s ability to score hasn’t dropped. He’s been scoring between 25–32 points per game for almost two decades. What makes him special? His ability to shoot over defenders with ease. At nearly 7 feet tall with a smooth jump shot, KD is almost impossible to guard.
Durant’s mix of height, skill, and shooting makes him one of the most efficient scorers ever.
5. Stephen Curry
Next on LeBron’s list is Stephen Curry, another long-time rival. Curry isn’t physically imposing, but his unmatched shooting has changed the game.
Curry pulls defenders far from the basket and opens up space for his teammates. His presence alone forces defences to make mistakes. With a quick release and endless range, Curry’s shot is always a threat.
He’s also a clever passer and plays with high efficiency. His 62.5% true shooting percentage is one of the best ever, especially for a small guard.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
LeBron compares Giannis to legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain. He’s fast, powerful, and puts up incredible stats year after year.
Giannis often acts as Milwaukee’s main playmaker, even with star guards like Damian Lillard on the team. He’s averaged at least 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists per game for seven straight seasons and has been in the top 4 in MVP voting during all of them.
His size and skill make him a force at both ends of the court — and at just 30 years old, he’s still in his prime.
3. Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic, LeBron’s newest teammate, is only 26 but already making history. He led the Dallas Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals and has posted incredible stats since his rookie year.
Luka plays the game differently — he’s not quick or explosive, but his footwork, strength, and smart decision-making make him deadly. He averages nearly 29 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists per game and is one of the best passers in the league.
If he improves his fitness and defence, Luka could go down as one of the all-time greats.
2. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic has been a nightmare for LeBron and the Lakers. The Serbian centre is known for his unique style — not flashy, but incredibly effective.
He finally averaged a triple-double for a full season in 2024–25: 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. Jokic is the best-passing big man in history and has soft hands around the rim. He scores, rebounds, and makes everyone around him better.
His efficiency and all-round skill have already made him a three-time MVP — and he might just be the best offensive player ever.
1. Joel Embiid
Topping LeBron’s list is Joel Embiid — a true powerhouse when healthy. Sadly, injuries have limited his playing time recently. He’s only played 58 games over the past two seasons.
Still, when Embiid is fit, he’s almost impossible to stop. A 7-footer with a smooth jump shot, Embiid averaged 31.5 points, nearly 11 rebounds, and over 4 assists between 2021 and 2024.
He won MVP in 2023 and remains one of the most dominant one-on-one players in the game. If he can stay injury-free, another monster season could be on the way.
LeBron’s list shows that dominance comes in many forms — from height and power to skill and creativity. Whether through pure strength like Giannis and Embiid or unique styles like Curry and Jokic, each player has mastered their own way of taking over games.