LeBron James sees Scottie Pippen in Jaylen Johnson

On their podcast “Mind The Game”, LeBron James and Steve Nash praised the league’s emerging stars. Next to Denny Avdia and Stephon Castle, Jalen Johnson was the best offer from the Lakers players.

With a strong element of comparison set in from the start: Scottie Pippen. « Obviously, he still has a long way to go “, formulates the “King” as the limit of this parallel established with the former legend of the Bulls, member of the Hall of Fame, seven-time All-Star and six-time NBA champion.

« But as far as talent goes, when you see a guy with long arms, who is 2m06 or 2m08 (editor’s note: Jaylen Johnson is listed in 2m03 on the league’s official website), who runs like a deer and is super athletic… He has also improved his outside touch ,” remarks LeBron James when reflecting on the Hawks’ 3-point shooting: 36.7% this season, his personal best.

We will understand that the comparison, apart from the athletic aspect of two men of the same build (2m03, slightly less than 100 kilograms), is also on the side of the master of everything.

The triple-double collection

« He pressures the rim, has the ability to get rebounds and knows how to defend. He can defend positions 1 through 5, well, most leaders and pivots. And his playmaking, I see him continuing to improve in this area », projects the Lakers player.

Jaylen Johnson, who took advantage of Tree Young’s absence to take charge, has already made a serious step up on the court, averaging 8.4 assists, 10.4 rebounds and 23.7 points. After Nikola Jokić, he is the player who achieved the most triple-doubles this season (7). He could have tickled the Serb more, because he often missed a pass or a jump to complete it.

« In our league, it’s all about confidence and opportunity. Once you take that opportunity and your confidence grows, you start thinking, ‘I can do this every night.’ It won’t always be a triple-double. It won’t always be 15 assists. But you start to understand the nuances of the game, the right choices and such », continues LeBron James.

Looking at Jalen Johnson’s curves, there’s no doubt: the confidence is there. “ I love his ceiling. I don’t know exactly where it is, but I know it’s not low. I think it’s very high and I can’t wait to see what happens next. He’s on track to be an All-Star in the East this year, that’s for sure. », predicts the “King”.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.