Man, oh man, being a hoops fan in 2026 is a total blessing, and getting the inside scoop from the GOAT himself, LeBron James, is like getting the keys to the basketball kingdom! The King is out here dropping knowledge bombs on his podcast, and let me tell you, his list of the four guys he loves to watch is pure fire. It's not just about the stats, it's about the artistry. As a regular fan, hearing LeBron break it down, you realize we're witnessing a golden era. These aren't just players; they're walking, talking, dribbling masterpieces. And with LeBron in his 23rd season—yeah, you read that right, TWENTY-THIRD—still holding it down for the Lakers, his perspective is like fine wine... it just gets better with age. He's seen 'em all come and go, so when he talks, you better listen up!

The Alien in San Antonio: Victor Wembanyama

Alright, let's kick this off with the dude who looks like he was built in a lab for basketball. I mean, seriously, have you ever seen anything like Victor Wembanyama? LeBron called him a "generational talent," but that's selling him short. The guy is an alien! A 7'5" center who moves like a guard? That's not normal, folks. It's 2026, and in his third season, Wemby isn't just must-see TV; he's the reason you cancel all your plans on game night. What's truly insane is his defensive impact. If he stays healthy—and that's a big if given his frame—the Defensive Player of the Year trophy might as well just move into his house permanently for the next decade. He's that dominant. On offense? Forget about it. This past offseason, he was training with legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett. Let that sink in. A 7-footer learning the Dream Shake? The league is in serious trouble. The sky isn't the limit for this kid; he's already rewriting the definition of the limit. Watching him is like watching the future of basketball unfold in real-time, and trust me, the future is tall, agile, and absolutely terrifying for anyone trying to score on him.

The Greek God of Milwaukee: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Next up, we have the living, breathing embodiment of hard work paying off. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, is an NBA fairy tale. LeBron's admiration for him is no surprise; it's a respect between kings. This guy went from a skinny, unknown kid from Athens to an absolute force of nature. His career is the ultimate 'rags-to-riches' story, but instead of riches, he earned muscles, MVPs, and a championship. At 30 years old, he's still in his prime and shows no signs of slowing down. He's a perennial MVP candidate, and when he gets a full head of steam going to the basket? Good luck stopping him. It's like trying to stop a freight train with a piece of string. His body transformation is legendary, and he uses every ounce of that power to dominate. What I love most is his mentality—relentless, humble, and hungry. He's not just a superstar; he's the heart and soul of the Milwaukee Bucks. Watching Giannis play is like watching pure, unadulterated athletic willpower. Every dunk is a statement, every block a declaration of war. In a league full of finesse, Giannis brings the thunder, and it's a beautiful thing to behold.

The Joker in Denver: Nikola Jokic

If Giannis is the thunder, then Nikola Jokic is the lightning—subtle, brilliant, and impossible to predict. LeBron calls him the "best player in the world" right now, and honestly, who can argue? The man is a basketball savant. He doesn't just play the game; he sees it five moves ahead of everyone else. Watching Jokic is like watching a grandmaster play chess while everyone else is playing checkers. He's got this transcendent combination of size, skill, and a touch so soft it could put a baby to sleep. Last season, he became only the third player EVER to average a triple-double, and he did it with an efficiency that makes stat nerds weep with joy. He's already a three-time MVP and a champion. If he wins another ring? We're talking about a guy who will crash the Top 10 All-Time party, no questions asked. And the craziest part? He's still in his prime. He makes the impossible look routine. A no-look, behind-the-back pass for an easy bucket? Just another Tuesday for the Joker. For any true student of the game, watching Nikola Jokic is a masterclass in basketball IQ and fundamental genius.

The Smooth Operator in Phoenix: Devin Booker

Now, here's LeBron's curveball, his dark horse pick: Devin Booker. This one had people raising eyebrows, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Booker might not always top the "Best Player" lists, but his game? It's pure silk. LeBron loves his fundamental-based, graceful style. In an era of highlight-reel athleticism, Booker is a throwback to the pure scorers, the guys who can get a bucket from anywhere with flawless footwork and a picture-perfect jumper. He's been consistently excellent for a decade now. Remember 2021? He dragged the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals and was two wins away from glory. Since then, the Suns have tried everything—big moves, big names—but haven't gotten back. Now, in 2026, they're entering a new era, and it's all on Book's shoulders. He's running the point, and if anyone can handle that pressure with poise, it's him. Watching Devin Booker work is like watching an artist paint. Every move is calculated, every shot is a stroke of the brush. He's the proof that you don't need to be the most athletic guy on the floor to be one of the most deadly. LeBron sees that beauty, that old-school killer instinct wrapped in a modern package.

The State of the League in 2026

So, what does LeBron's list tell us about the NBA right now? It tells us we're spoiled rotten! We've got diversity in greatness:

LeBron summed it all up with his excitement for the season, and man, do I feel it too! The Oklahoma City Thunder might be the favorites on paper to repeat, but the parity in the league is insane. Any night, any team can win. It's a thrilling time to be a fan. We've got the old guard (looking at you, LeBron), the established kings (Jokic, Giannis), the prime-time assassins (Booker), and the future arriving early (Wembanyama). As a regular dude watching from my couch, I gotta say, following the King's viewing guide is the best decision I've made. This season is gonna be one for the history books, no cap! 🏀🔥