LeBron James voted third-best point guard and power forward in NBA, second-best small forward and best passer by NBA GMs, also receives accolades for toughness, versatility, leadership
Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
NBA GMs think LeBron James is a good basketball player.
LeBron James might not be the unanimous best player in the NBA anymore, but most people around the league still think he’s really, really good, and this year’s general manager survey is evidence of that.
James wasn’t voted the NBA’s best small forward for the first time since NBA.com started doing the GM surveys in 2006, but he was among the top-three vote-getters in the best point guard, best small forward and best power forward categories. James also received votes for Most Valuable Player after receiving 30 percent of the votes last year. However, the votes were so mixed this year that James Harden didn’t even crack the top-five for MVP voting.
Surprisingly, James didn’t receive any votes for most athletic. He might not be Zion Williamson — who received the majority of votes for most athletic — but even at 34 years old, there are few players that are better all-around athletes than James.
James did come out on top in the best passer category for the second consecutive year, though. And rightfully so — I mean, look at this sorcery:
This shouldn't be possible, @KingJames. pic.twitter.com/isuiB5YhDQ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 17, 2019
It’s probably for that same reason that James received the most votes for “best basketball IQ.” Here’s that pass from last night’s win again:
That @KingJames no-look pass is just as from the courtside view.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 17, 2019
(via pablo024/IG) pic.twitter.com/tXnz1iudRt
But James wasn’t just recognized for his on-court skills. He received the third-most votes for the best leader category — a category he received the most votes for last season. Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard beat James out this year.
James also received votes for toughest player and most versatile player. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the only player more versatile than James, according to the GM survey.
Again, James might not be uncontested best player in the league, but to say he’s underrated would be inaccurate, too.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @RadRivas.