Just a week ago, Nikola Jokic was in the news for scoring 21 points, 19 rebounds, and 15 assists, winning over the Wizards, 130-110. After that matchup, Jokic has a record of triple-doubles against every single team he has played against in the league. This puts him right in Russel Westbrook and LeBron James‘ league. Today he’s in the news once again, being compared to the legendary, King James, although for very different reasons. This time around, it’s not for triple-doubles or his 100% shooting prowess, it is for his leadership approach.

The ex-Lakers star, Thomas Bryant, is the one making comparisons this time around on a recent episode of the Playmaker Podcast on YouTube. Bryant reminisced about his time playing alongside LeBron James, highlighting the stark differences he sees between James and Jokic when it comes to leading their teams. He feels LeBron’s leadership style is characterized by his unparalleled basketball IQ and his knack for effective communication. When LeBron speaks, his intelligence shines through, emanating from nowhere. Bryant also emphasized Bron’s ability to engage with teammates, offering guidance and direction on the court.

The ex-Lakers star’s description of LeBron James’ leadership echoes the sentiment shared by many who have played alongside the basketball icon. LeBron’s vocal presence on the court, coupled with his profound understanding of the game, makes him not just a player but a strategic orchestrator, elevating the performance of his team. This is all very different from how Jokic operates!

In contrast to LeBron James’ vocal leadership, Bryant highlighted Jokic’s leadership style as one led predominantly by example. He is a pacesetter, with an affiliative leadership style. Bryant described Jokic as a “very great guy” who embodies leadership through actions rather than words. Jokic’s leadership philosophy revolves around trust and inclusivity, as he instills confidence in his teammates to excel on the court.

Bryant’s depiction of Jokic’s leadership underscores the Serbian star’s humility and team-oriented approach to the game. Despite his exceptional skill set, Jokic prioritizes team success over individual accolades, fostering a culture of collaboration, camaraderie, and support within his team.

What does LeBron James think of Nikola Jokić?

Even though we have Thomas Bryant’s unique perspective on James’ and Jokic’s leadership styles, we wonder what the veteran thinks about the Joker? Well, James and Jokic have had the chance to battle it out twice in last season’s Western Conference Finals. Then too, Jokic made history while his team swept the Lakers off. He passed Wilt Chamberlain for the most number of triple-doubles in just one playoff run. His dominant numbers caught Bron’s attention, and he only had high praises to share.

James said, “I know how great Joker is. There are certain guys in this league that play the game a certain way, a certain way that I like to play the game as well, and he’s one of them.” Apparently, King James likes the way Jokic can balance it all out when guarding a player. He was also impressed by Jokic’s ability to score, shoot and rebound, and the way he can see a play before it can happen. He knows that not many people are like him in the league, and he respects that. Bron even went so far as to say, “He is special”.

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The same respectful feelings are reciprocated from Jokic’s side as well. Last season, he said, “Nobody in the near future will do what he (LeBron James)
did. It’s a great accomplishment, of course. I think the guy didn’t have a prime, he’s been in his prime for 20 years. Not a lot of people can do that in a sport”. Jokic feels James is an idol, someone everyone can look up to.

With such pure feelings, one can be sure that no matter how different their leadership styles are, they are true to their core for being the champions they are. What do you think about them and their leadership styles? Let us know in the comments below.

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