Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James believes Atlanta Hawks rising talent Jalen Johnson is tracking toward the kind of all-around impact once delivered by Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen.
Speaking on the “Mind the Game” podcast, the 41-year-old James compared the 24-year-old Johnson to the former Chicago Bulls great, noting the Hawks have placed the 6-foot-9 forward in a “point-forward” role. “He’s not only scoring, he’s rebounding at a high rate and he’s dishing the ball,” James said. “We’ve seen over the last month where he might have three, four, five triple-doubles.”
Through the first half of the 2024-25 season, Johnson is averaging more than 23 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists per game on efficient shooting. Many of those performances came while Trae Young was sidelined before being traded to the Washington Wizards, giving Johnson more playmaking responsibility.
James, now in his 23rd NBA season, listed Johnson’s length, speed and improved perimeter touch as attributes that mirror Pippen’s skill set. “He can guard one through five for the majority of ones and fives,” James added. “I love his ceiling. I don’t know what it is, but I know it’s not low.”
The Lakers will get a closer look when they host the Hawks on Tuesday. Los Angeles dropped a blowout decision in Atlanta earlier this season while Johnson sat out. This time, the former Duke standout is expected to lead a Hawks lineup that now functions around him.
Johnson spent part of the offseason training with James, a connection that may have bolstered the young forward’s confidence heading into his breakout campaign. James called Johnson “on pace to be an All-Star in the East this year, for sure.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, former Cavaliers teammate Kevin Love described James as “the smartest player” he has ever played with, underscoring the veteran’s influence even as his own career winds down.
Source: Lakers Nation
