Of Course LeBron James Thinks Kawhi Leonard Defends Him Better Than Anyone Else

In a recent podcast, LeBron James was asked a question he probably gets all the time, but which he actually answered this time: who guards you better than anyone? Seeing as the King is not usually described, at any point, by the word “guardable,” his answer is of interest. He didn’t hesitate to offer up who gives him the biggest challenge when he’s on offense, though.

“Kawhi Leonard,” James replied, as relayed by Pro Basketball Talk. “Kawhi Leonard, he’s solid. He’s solid, solid at that end of the floor. He’s very, very solid. I like him. I like the kid.”

Despite all the relative trouble Leonard gives James, though, a head-to-head examination of their numbers against each other proves that, even at 31, no one can really deal with LeBron. He bests Kawhi in every significant statistical category except for steals, when the two face off. Still, James is never happy to see the San Antonio Spurs stud and two-time Defensive Player of the Year come to the court to pantomime his every offensive move:

https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/lebronkawhi.gif

Leonard is just 25 and still getting better, looking like the archetypal wing superstar to follow James’ legacy as the NBA enters an era that yearns for long men with full utility belts. If you weren’t already, you be sure to keep your eyes on Cavs-Spurs matchups in 2016-17.

(via Open Run Podcast, h/t Pro Basketball Talk)

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