Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo revealed his all-time NBA starting five during a lively Q&A session on X on Sunday.
Giannis's choices sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts. The list featured Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, whose versatility and longevity align closely with Antetokounmpo’s own playing style.
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It's not a huge surprise that Giannis gave LeBron his flowers.
With four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and 21 All-Star appearances, James embodies the all-around excellence Antetokounmpo is always striving for. Both players share a unique ability to dominate as playmaking forwards, blending scoring, rebounding, and facilitating at elite levels.
Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in the 2024-25 season, likely sees a reflection of his own game in James, who has consistently posted similar stat lines over two decades.
During the Q&A, when asked about the greatest player of all time, Antetokounmpo diplomatically named both James and Michael Jordan, calling them the "only two options for now."
Giannis's inclusion of James also sparked debate due to the absence of traditional big men like Shaquille O’Neal or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Fans on X noted the smaller lineup, with one suggesting James could play center.
As Antetokounmpo navigates trade rumors and the Bucks’ uncertain future this summer, his admiration for James could suggest a desire to emulate LeBron's ability to adapt and win on different teams.
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