'True testament of a great one,' LeBron James sings high praise of Nikola Jokic ahead of much-anticipated Denver Nuggets matchup

The most highly anticipated matchup in the playoffs will be the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets first-round series. The defending champions are the benchmark of the league and have consistently beaten LeBron James and the Lakers so far. No wonder James was full of praise for Nikola Jokic.

During preparations on the court, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history was quizzed by reporters Jovan Buha and Michael Scotto about where he ranks Nikola Jokic compared to some of the greats who have gone up against him.

He’s one of the best players to ever play this game. It’s that simple. LeBron James said

The reporters pressed further and asked what about Jokic’s game James admires.

He does everything. The most important thing he changes the way his teammates think about their own play. When you’re able to inspire your teammates to play at a level that sometimes they don’t even feel like they can play at, that’s a true testament of a great one. LeBron James replied

It is clear that LeBron James considers the big Serbian as of one the best he has ever played against. Jokic’s ability to elevate his team is what stands out for James.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar and Nikola Jokic have locked horns 30 times so far. Right now, they are evenly matched, despite Jokic getting the better of James over the past one and a half years. The stats do not do Jokic justice, as he was not the player he is currently during the initial years of their battles, whereas James was in his prime.