Another day, another LeBron hot take. Not from us, but from one of the GOATs. During a recent appearance on The Makeshift Podcast, NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady shared his thoughts on LeBron James’ basketball skills, specifically addressing how the Los Angeles Lakers star would fare in one-on-one matchups.
While acknowledging James’ uncanny 22-year career and sustained dominance, McGrady doubts his effectiveness in individual play.
Yeah, 22 seasons. Oldest player in the league and still at an All-Star level.
“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.”
One-on-one with whom? Guys actually in the NBA? LeBron is ACTUALLY in the NBA! Who’s gonna tell T-Mac, a GOAT in his own right, that Bron is STILL out here HOOPING?
McGrady contrasted James’ skill set with players known for their isolation scoring, stating: “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.”
Yeah, the comments come as James continues adding to his historic resume. The league’s all-time leading scorer holds four MVP awards, four championships, and four Finals MVP honors. At 40 years old, he remains one of the NBA’s most productive players, averaging 24.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.4 assists this season while maintaining efficient shooting percentages.
Those parts.
What’s more, James’ unique career accomplishments include being the only player to rank in the top five in both points and assists, winning Finals MVP with three different franchises, and reaching 40,000 points combined with 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists. He also stands alone as the only player to surpass 50,000 total points, including playoff performances.
Tracy, you’re one of one, but let’s be real. There are probably 3-5 guys on earth, maybe 7-10, who can beat Bron in a one-on-one. At 40, to only take a potential “L” to less than a full foster of people in the world is saying something. But this is all hypothetical, and last we looked, Bron was still cooking players left and right while playing hurt and as the OLDEST PLAYER IN THE NBA.