Home

NBA

‘Mister-Do-Everything’: Penny Hardaway’s Former Teammate Explains How the Magic Star and LeBron James Are Alike

Published 10/11/2021, 10:30 AM EDT

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

LeBron James is no stranger to all the wild comparisons that are made with other NBA legends like Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and even Kobe Bryant. But what about the superstar who Bron considers his second favorite, of course, after Jordan? That’s right, Penny Hardaway and LeBron might be more alike than one would think. And who better to confirm that than his former teammate Nick Anderson? In fact, he went out on a limb and claimed that Bron, like Penny, is one player that is very versatile.

Is there anything LeBron James can’t do?

via Getty

There is a reason behind the amount of hype that there is around LeBron James. He oozes greatness in whatever he does, and that ranges from the court, his business, Hollywood, and so much more. He was a superstar even before he entered the NBA and has lived up to that reputation all this while, entering his 19th NBA season.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, there aren’t many who have compared him to the likes of Penny Hardaway. At least not until now. In an interview with Nick Anderson, Hardaway’s former teammate, he was asked if there is any resemblance between Bron and Penny. He said, “You look at Penny Hardaway, a 6’7 and a half 6’8, can pass the ball, can score, rebound, great defender… Did it all!”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“And I look at LeBron James, he’s a ‘Mister-do-everything’. That’s what I love about him. I can go back to what my Pops told me, may he rest in peace, ‘Learn how to do a little bit of everythin’. And LeBron knows how to do a little bit of everything.”

WATCH THIS STORY: 5 Reasons Why Michael Jordan’s 96′ Chicago Bulls Deserve to be Crowned Greatest Team of All Time

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

But what does Penny Hardaway feel?

It was very recently that Penny Hardaway found himself caught in the middle of the GOAT debate. But his response wasn’t the best news for LeBron. Even though Hardaway agreed that LBJ had a lot of qualities that had him inching closer to the Chicago Bulls legend, Michael Jordan is still the GOAT for him.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, that shouldn’t matter much, because just being part of that comparison is not an easy feat. And Bron has been in it for years now. He has proven himself time and again, and might get to add another title in the upcoming season. Do you think getting as many championships as MJ will help better his case in the GOAT debate? Or will he always stay inches away from that label?

LeBron James Shows Off His Friendship With a Different Michael Jordan

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Yashima Bhatia

1,803Articles

One take at a time

Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.
Show More>