LeBron James massively praises Nikola Jokic

As it is Los Angeles Lakers continue their strong start to the 2025–26 season, star forward LeBron James used the latest episode of Mind the Game with co-host and Hall of Famer Steve Nash to offer high praise for Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic — calling him one of the most complete and dominant opponents ever faced.

During their conversation, James reacted in real time to Jokic’s recent statistical jump.

“This damn Joker guy, man,” James said. “Is he shooting like—did they say in the last five or six games that he’s shooting about 77% from the field?”

Nash replied, “Yeah, I mean this season three weeks in, I think he’s 67 percent from the field.

James was stunned.

“Oh my God. And by the way, this isn’t like one of those guys back in the day – all dunks or all layups. No, this is everything.”

Nash continued, asking the rare question, “Is he the best offensive player you’ve ever played against?”

James hesitated.

“Wow, that’s a tough question, Steve. Oh my God…”

Nash elaborated, “When you think about the totality of what he does. The pressure he puts on defense, the assists, the playmaking, the offense initiation, the 3-pointer, the mid-range, putting people in the basket. It’s like a lot of things.”

What sets the Joker apart from everyone else? @kingjames and @stevenash dive into his dominance. pic.twitter.com/Lat91IV8De

— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) November 28, 2025

LeBron James calls Nikola Jokic the most complete opponent he has faced

James ended up offering one of the strongest affirmations he’s ever given to an active opponent.

“It’s a lot. Yeah, it’s a lot. I’ll say this — there hasn’t been a more dominant, more complete player that I’ve played against in terms of all the attributes you just mentioned. From passing, to shooting, to rebounding, to attention. I mean, he can’t do anything on the offensive end. Like, nothing.”

Jokic, 30, is producing another historic campaign. The three-time MVP is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season with 29.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, a career-high 11.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 62.6 percent from the field and 43.4 percent from deep in 17 appearances. His play gave Denver a 13-4 start as the Nuggets prepare for Friday night’s key NBA playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs (12-5). Both teams enter the contest with 2-1 records in West Group C play.

James’ praise comes as he continues to adjust to his role after returning from a sciatic injury that delayed his season debut. Through three games, the 40-year-old is averaging 17.7 points, 8.7 assists, five rebounds and one steal while shooting 48 percent in 32 minutes per game. His last outing — a 25-point, six-rebound, six-assist performance in a 135–118 NBA Cup victory over the Los Angeles Clippers — reflects his immediate impact on an already high-performing roster.

The Lakers, now 13–4, sit atop West Group B with a 3–0 record and a +36 point differential after earning a berth in the quarterfinals. They will close out group play on Friday night at 10:00 PM ET Prime Video vs. Dallas Mavericks (5–14). The game also marks the return of former franchise cornerstone Anthony Davis, who is set to play his first game at Cripto.com Arena since being traded last February.

As the Lakers push toward an NBA Cup berth and early-season momentum, James’ comment underscores not only his respect for Jokic, but his continued commitment to the league’s development — even at age 23.