NBA history could have been a lot different if these players faced LeBron James!
For more than 20 years, LeBron James has dominated the NBA, going deep in the postseason nearly every year. His performance on the court helped to define an era and had an impact on many games and series. But hardly every superstar of his era has had the opportunity to test him in the intense playoff atmosphere. This article examines a few of the NBA's most prominent players who, for a variety of reasons, never faced off against LeBron in a postseason game. It emphasises how their careers were affected by this decision and how their paths varied.
The world was excited about a potential playoff matchup between NBA legends Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Over his spectacular 20-year career, Kobe amassed an astounding variety of achievements, including three MVP crowns, five NBA championships, and 18 selections to the All-Star team. In 2009, a matchup between LeBron's Cavaliers and Kobe's Lakers was avoided despite both teams leading their respective conferences. The Eastern Conference Finals saw the Cavaliers lose to the Orlando Magic, shattering any expectations of seeing this historic game. Even though Kobe guided the Lakers to victory, one regrettable "what-if" in basketball history is that there was never a Kobe-LeBron playoff series.
Kobe Bryant and LeBron James facing each other in the regular season.
Known as "The Answer," Allen Iverson is still regarded as one of the NBA's most explosive players because of his relentless playstyle and ability to score baskets. Because of team dynamics and time, Iverson never played against LeBron James during the playoffs, while being selected for 11 All-Star teams and winning MVP in 2001. During the course of their careers, viewers were not treated to the tantalising matchup between LeBron's rising supremacy and Iverson's tenacity, as Iverson's 76ers frequently struggled in the postseason while LeBron's Cavaliers thrived.
Steve Nash, who is regarded as one of the best point guards in the NBA, transformed the playmaker position with his remarkable court vision and precision on shots. Even with two MVP awards and eight All-Star selections, Nash's postseason achievements were never comparable to those of LeBron James. After dominating the regular season, Nash's Phoenix Suns frequently faltered in the postseason and were unable to go to the NBA Finals. LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers, on the other hand, became a contender in the Eastern Conference. Even though their careers were similar, they never crossed paths in the playoffs.
With three MVP honours and a Defensive Player of the Year title under his belt, GiannisAntetokounmpo's explosive ascent in the NBA has redefined versatility and dominance on the court. After leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA Championship in 2021, Giannis reaffirmed his place among the best players in the league. Because of their teams' different trajectories and conference affiliations, Giannis and LeBron James have never clashed in the postseason during their concurrent prominence. Fans get excited at the mere prospect of a playoff matchup between these two titans of basketball, picturing a battle between Giannis's explosive athleticism and LeBron's seasoned leadership.
Kyrie Irving, known for his time alongside LeBron James in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 championship win, boasts impressive stats of 23.6 points and 5.7 assists per game. Despite their history, Irving and LeBron have never faced off in the playoffs. Irving's moves to teams like the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, and now the Dallas Mavericks, have kept them apart, setting the stage for a potential showdown filled with narrative depth.
Other greats who didn't face LeBron James in the playoffs, include Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins, and LaMarcus Aldridge.
