Whether you like him or not, LeBron James creates conversations that get people to listen.
The Akron (Ohio) native and arguably greatest player in National Basketball Association history spent time with Pat McAfee on his Wednesday show.
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James, 40, is going after his fifth NBA title and second with the Los Angeles Lakers. He took the chance to spark a dialogue to get basketball fans talking before the playoffs come in. McAfee asked him if any players in today’s league would excel in the 1970s era. James is tired of the debate in how players of this era would not hold weight if they competed in previous ones.
The four-time champion said Giannis Antetokounmpo would average 250 points in the 70s and stood on it.
Rules were different in the 70s — especially on defense — but James feels no one would have kept the “Greek Freak” in check.
“You’re trying to tell me Giannis wouldn’t be able to play in the NBA in the 70s..
Giannis Antetokounmpo would have 250 points in a game in the 70s ????????
The would’ve told Kyrie he couldn’t dribble anymore” ???????? ~ @KingJames #PMSLive https://t.co/MkBBaFxZne pic.twitter.com/YXK6atKXCw
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2025
“You are trying to tell me Giannis would not be able to play in the NBA in the 70’s,” James said. “Giannis Antetokounmpo would have 250 points in a game in the 70’s.”
James added the fact that no one from the 70’s would be able to stop Kyrie Irving’s handles.
“They would have told Kyrie, ‘you are not allowed to dribble anymore,'” he said. “Dribbling is out ruled.”
James has a point when it comes to Antetokounmpo. He is 6’11” with a wingspan over seven feet and has the combination of speed, power, handles, and shot-making capabilities that would have frustrated players in the 70’s.
The athletes then would not have been able to fight over his length and alter his shot; however, his length would have blocked or altered several attempts.
He would have made a living in the 70’s, but Antetokoumpo is focused on a second NBA title.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
