LeBron James continues to defy age and expectations as he embarks on his 23rd NBA season while maintaining an All-NBA Second Team performance in 2024-25. Despite turning 40 in December, James is recognized for his enduring elite play and recently named the six most unstoppable players currently in the league, notably excluding Victor Wembanyama. His insights follow a difficult stretch for the Los Angeles Lakers, including an eighth consecutive loss to the Denver Nuggets led by Nikola Jokic, prompting King James to evaluate who challenges defenders the most in today’s NBA.

Known for his combination of athleticism, strength, and unwavering dedication to fitness, LeBron’s perspective on unstoppable players sheds light on what makes scoring dominance so unique and multifaceted in the current era. His list reflects a blend of shooting, physicality, creativity, and basketball IQ, spotlighting athletes who excel at mastering their individual talents.

Kevin Durant’s Elite Scoring Ability Still Commands Respect at Sixth Spot

Placed sixth on LeBron’s list is Kevin Durant, a player James has battled throughout almost two decades, including three NBA Finals matchups. Although Durant’s athleticism has declined since his Achilles injury, his scoring remains lethal. Durant’s distinctive advantage lies in his extraordinary ability to shoot over defenders, leveraging his nearly seven-foot frame with unmatched shooting skill, making him virtually unguardable even as he advances in age.

Durant’s consistency is remarkable; for nearly his entire career, he has averaged between 25 and 32 points per game. His 62% career true shooting percentage ranks him 11th all time, paired with a sixth place in all-time points per game at 27.2. This rare mix of volume and efficiency cements Durant’s role among today’s most unstoppable scorers.

Stephen Curry’s Unmatched Shooting Transforms Offenses at Fifth

Stephen Curry, ranked fifth, represents a different kind of offensive threat—one built on unparalleled shooting range and precision. LeBron respects Curry’s influence on the game, having met him four times in the Finals where Curry led Golden State to three titles. Beyond his remarkable deep shooting, Curry’s presence on the court forces defenses to collapse, creating space and opportunities for his teammates.

Curry’s impact is felt not just through his scoring but by stretching defenses to their limits; opponents are compelled to close out well beyond the three-point line, often doubling Curry and leaving teammates wide open for easy baskets. His 62.5% true shooting percentage ranks seventh all time, making him arguably the most unstoppable shooter in NBA history and a persistent headache for defenders across the league.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Modern Physical Powerhouse at Fourth

Giannis Antetokounmpo embodies the combination of size, power, and versatility that echoes legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain. LeBron puts Giannis in fourth place due to his extraordinary ability as a six-foot-eleven point forward who dominates Milwaukee’s offense. Despite playing alongside talented guards like Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, Giannis remains the focal point and primary creator, consistently producing staggering stats year after year.

His blend of speed, strength, and ball-handling allows him to average at least 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists for seven consecutive seasons, reflecting his all-around dominance. At only 30, Giannis is firmly in the conversation among the greatest players ever, showcasing a unique style of physical dominance rarely seen today.

Luka Doncic’s Crafty Playstyle Earns Him a Spot at Third

Though LeBron wasn’t aware at the time, his third pick, Luka Doncic, would soon become his Lakers teammate. Doncic’s start in the NBA has been historic, including leading Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals before a mid-season trade to Los Angeles. Luka’s numbers are staggering: averaging more than 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists for six consecutive seasons and ranking third all-time in points per game at just 26 years old.

Unlike many others on the list, Luka does not rely on explosive athleticism but rather uses his size, strength, and exceptional basketball IQ to create offensive value for himself and teammates. His handle and passing ability rival LeBron’s, making him one of the most dominant offensive players despite needing improvement on conditioning and defense.

Nikola Jokic Takes the Second Spot as One of the Best Offensive Creators Ever

Nikola Jokic’s rise in this ranking is well-earned, as the Serbian center redefined the idea of offense from the big man position. Often compared to Luka Doncic in terms of style but even more reliable, Jokic boasts a near triple-double average multiple times, posting 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists in the 2024-25 season. His 63.8% true shooting is the highest for a high-volume offensive player in NBA history.

Jokic’s skill set is versatile: he is an elite post-up scorer with soft touch around the rim, the best passing big man the league has ever seen, and a tenacious rebounder who creates second-chance opportunities. His combination of size, vision, and touch makes him almost impossible to stop when firing on all cylinders, and a spot among the greatest offensive players ever is within reach as he enters his 30s.

Joel Embiid Tops the List Despite Injury Challenges

LeBron places Joel Embiid at the top of his list of the most unstoppable players, though Embiid’s recent injury struggles have clouded his impact. Over the past two seasons, Embiid has appeared in only 58 games due to persistent lower body issues, casting uncertainty over his and the Philadelphia 76ers’ future. When healthy, however, Embiid remains one of the most dominant forces in the league.

From 2021 to 2024, Embiid averaged 31.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on an impressive 63.7% true shooting, finishing among the top-two in MVP voting three times and winning in 2023. His career 61.3% true shooting percentage ranks 19th all-time, and his 27.7 points per game places him fourth in scoring history. If Embiid regains full fitness in the 2025-26 season, fans can anticipate another extraordinary showing from ‘The Process.’

What This List Means for the NBA Landscape

LeBron James’ carefully chosen ranking highlights the diversity of playing styles that define current NBA dominance. From Durant’s shooting mastery to Embiid’s physical presence, and from Curry’s range to Jokic’s unique skill as a big man playmaker, this group illustrates how each player has crafted an unstoppable approach in modern basketball.

Interestingly, Wembanyama, a rising star with immense potential, was notably absent, underscoring how LeBron values proven mastery over hype. As James continues his career alongside Luka Doncic on the Lakers, this list also serves as a preview of the evolving NBA, where a mix of veteran excellence and emerging talent will shape the league’s future.

With seasons ahead filled with new challenges, fans will watch eagerly to see how these players maintain or redefine their unstoppable status, while players like Embiid fight to return to peak form and others like Doncic rise further. LeBron’s perspective reminds us that true dominance in basketball transcends raw athleticism, blending skill, intelligence, and relentless dedication.