LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard stand atop The Bounce’s Top 40 Wings rankings, according to The Athletic’s Zach Harper, classifying them as all-time legends who are still elite. The second tier, comprised of All-NBA level performers, includes Jimmy Butler, Jaylen Brown, Paul George and Jalen Williams.
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“Still elite”? Paul George, LeBron? Yikes, was this article written 10 years ago. Is D Rose still on that list too?
Lebron is still elite yes, top 15 player. you don’t know ball I guess
With his age and him playing very little defense it would be close in saying he is a top 20 player. You would need to go with much younger players and more athletic.
LeBron did play decent defense last season. Even in recent years, as age has taken its toll, he still steps up defensively when it seems to matter.
Watch him how LeBron plays defense either top of key or on far sideline so he can be quickest down court on offense.
Playmakers who shoulder a heavy offensive load often conserve energy on the defensive end, but Scottie Pippen and Gary Payton were rare exceptions. Since the Luka trade, LeBron did defend at a solid level. Not like he did in his prime, but still disciplined and reliable when engaged.
Reason why the Lakers had to go after Marcus Smart. WWhjy they will need to play Vendy a lot more this year most likely in startiing lineup and 35 minutes a game. There is not a lot of defense on teh Lakers with Luka, LeBron, and Reeves on the court at the same time. Ayton needs to be the rim protector.
Sheesh, Chucktoad1! That wasn’t the best example. Sounds like you’re implying Scottie had the burden of being the top scoring option throughout his career. Aside from 1.5 seasons, that was nowhere near the case when you’ve got the GOTS-W (Greatest Offensive Threat Since Wilt) at your disposal. I’m gonna start saying that more, btw…..”you got the GOT? Ok then why you yappin’ so much”??
Pippen ran the offense for the Bulls while Jordan focused on scoring. Defensively, Jordan usually guarded the opponent’s second or third option so he could conserve energy for offense and generate steals by playing off the ball.
He plays more D than Luka ….
That’s the problem with guys like “aircastle”. They are quick to comment but slow to learn.
In 2025-26, I got all these guys being the pool of the top 20 (no order). Lebron is old and his D fell off a cliff last season, he’s falling off, these guys aren’t:
Steph, Wemby, Joker, SGA, Luka, Giannis, Tatum, Mitchell, Cade, Brunson, Booker, Haliburton, Zubac, Towns, Trae, Bam, Allen, Sabonis, Butler, Rudy, Chet
This will be the year of Paolo Banchero.
@Roccos Paolo is right there, I was tempted to add him. Franz Wagner in 2025-26 clears Lebron too.
In the meantime he already has seven thumps-up and counting, looks like there are several people “slow to learn”. Could you enlighten us?
You don’t need the quotes. Unless you are saying that’s not my handle here and then you may want to take that up with your therapist.
Didn’t know you were a Paul George fanboy. My apologies.
Lebron is definitely not top 15 – top 50, sure. He doesn’t play D anymore!
Maybe you should try reading the article before you comment.
Paul George, one of the most overrated player in the NBA in the last decade.
If Jimmy had 1 ring he would be on that top tier, right? Statistically he’s top tier.
Lebron isn’t top tier. PG13 isn’t all nba level. LBJ with his -54 net rating making all nba was laughable.