Luka Doncic is in scintillating form for the Dallas Mavericks and is since been compared to Michael Jordan. Luka has been the best player for the Mavs and is averaging incredible numbers. With Luka putting up such performances, he is already a legend in the making. Another player Luka is drawing comparisons to is the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James.
Luka is turning out to be the next LeBron James. The 4x MVP who is in his 20th season continues to stun the entire league with his age-defying performances. LeBron put up 47 points in the last game of 2022 and opened 2023 with another 43-point performance against the Hornets. The King spends nearly $1.5 million, to keep his body in shape, and it sure pays off.
Mav Carter says LeBron James spends ~$1,500,000 per year on his body. He uses cryotherapy, hyperbaric chambers, NormaTec leg boots, etc. He also has personal chefs, trainers, etc. He has a strict routine and diet. He invested in his body, so he can still dominate at 33 years old.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) March 24, 2018
Luka and LeBron have similar playing styles, but James is arguably the most gifted athlete in the entire NBA. Doncic has gone from strength to strength and is one of the greatest talents, the most recent being putting up a 60 points triple-double, complimenting it with 21 rebounds and 10 assists. With the All-Time scoring record within the grasp of the King. Many think that Luka will break the record in the future.
Luka has humbly put the comparison to bed, with his humble reply, “No way in hell… It’s always a possibility, but it’s going to be really tough. You gotta have a guy that plays for 20yrs in that shape, how he holds up his body. I am just saying without basketball skills, it’s very hard to hold that body. If you’re saying me there’s no way because I’m not playing that much. It’s amazing to watch him. It’s his 20th season and he’s scoring 30-40 points every night.” said Doncic.
Is Luka Doncic better than LeBron James at the age of 23?
Doncic is in his 5th season in the NBA and nothing surprises us with what he does on the court. In Doncic’s rookie season, he averaged 21.2 points, 6.0 assists, and 7.8 rebounds for the Mavs. LeBron in his rookie year averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Doncic certainly betters LeBron in every statistic in their rookie year. It can be statistically concluded that Doncic had a better rookie year than James.
Luka Doncic’s December Stats (15 Games):
35.1 PPG
8.5 RPG
9.3 APG
1.6 SPG
51.9% FG
42.4% 3P
75.2% FT
Record: 11-4 pic.twitter.com/W2tKfdNgWT— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) January 1, 2023
Doncic at the age of 23 is averaging 34.3 points, 8.9 assists, and 8.8 rebounds. James at the age of 23 averaged 29.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Luka is significantly better than King James, but the season is only halfway. Doncic certainly betters LeBron in many aspects, but can he better LeBron in longevity will be a question for another time.
Doncic, however, will need to perform at the highest level for the next 15 years to catch up to the King. The task to play in the league for 20 years is in itself a humungous task, let alone playing at the top level every night. There is no predicting the future if Doncic can overtake LeBron. If Doncic decides to play 20 years in the NBA it would be exciting to see how well he fares to the King.