LeBron James is no stranger to the spotlight, but even the NBA’s elder statesman can’t help but shine it on the next generation. As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, all eyes are on 24-year-old forward Jalen Johnson—a player James recently compared to none other than Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen. The comparison, made during the latest episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast, has set the basketball world abuzz and added extra intrigue to the upcoming Lakers-Hawks clash.
“They’ve put him at this Scottie Pippen role, where he is playing this point forward and not only is he scoring, he’s rebounding at a high rate and he’s dissing the ball,” James said on the podcast. “We’ve seen over like the last month where he might have three, four, five triple-doubles. I love seeing that in this league where guys take advantage of situation or come in from their work, what they did in the summertime and able to apply it.”
That’s high praise coming from a four-time NBA champion and future Hall of Famer. But is it warranted? The numbers certainly suggest so. Through the first half of the 2025-2026 NBA season, Johnson is averaging over 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists per game—an impressive stat line that puts him firmly in the conversation for an Eastern Conference All-Star spot. And he’s doing it with remarkable efficiency, even as the Hawks have weathered a major roster shakeup.
Just last week, the Atlanta Hawks made a bold move, trading franchise cornerstone Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. The deal, reported by Sporting News on January 13, 2026, signaled a new era in Atlanta. The message from the front office was clear: this is Jalen Johnson’s team now. With Young gone, Johnson has stepped confidently into the role of primary playmaker and leader, a transition that’s been smoother than many anticipated.
It’s not just LeBron who has noticed Johnson’s leap. The NBA All-Star debates are heating up, with NBC Sports airing lively discussions about the most deserving selections for the 2025-2026 season. One of the central arguments? Whether Johnson or Toronto’s Scottie Barnes is the more worthy All-Star forward. “The Jalen Johnson vs. Scottie Barnes debate is one of the most compelling of the season,” said an NBC Sports panelist, highlighting the growing recognition of Johnson’s impact on both ends of the floor.
What makes Johnson’s rise even more impressive is his growth as a complete player. LeBron didn’t hold back in his assessment of Johnson’s skill set: “I mentioned Scottie Pippen, man. And obviously, he has a long way to go. But as far as the talent, you look at a guy with long arms, 6’9″-6’10”, runs like a deer, super athletic, he’s improved his outside touch. But like you said, putting pressure on the rim, his ability to rebound, he can guard one through five for the majority of ones and fives. There’s some fives that would be a little bit challenging, but you talk about [Joel] Embiid, you talk about Joker [Nikola Jokic], they’re mismatches for anybody. His playmaking, I love his ceiling. I don’t know what his ceiling is, but I know it’s not low. I think it’s very high and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens. He’s on pace to be an All-Star in the East this year, for sure. There’s no doubt about it.”
Johnson’s versatility has been on full display. He’s improved his outside shooting, become a more confident ball-handler, and, perhaps most importantly, shown an ability to defend nearly every position on the court. At 6’9” with a wingspan to match, he’s a matchup nightmare for opponents. And with the Hawks’ offense now running through him, Johnson’s playmaking has reached new heights, as evidenced by his string of triple-doubles over the past month.
The confidence Johnson is exuding on the court may well be traced back to his offseason preparation—and a bit of mentorship from LeBron himself. The two worked out together before the season, a fact not lost on Hawks fans or the Lakers’ coaching staff. That experience, coupled with the trust Atlanta’s coaching staff has placed in him, seems to have unlocked another level in Johnson’s game.
But the Hawks’ optimism isn’t limited to the present. The franchise is also looking to the future with a pair of enticing first-round picks in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. Thanks to a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2025 NBA Draft, Atlanta holds the Pelicans’ 2026 first-rounder—a pick that’s looking increasingly valuable as New Orleans currently owns the league’s third-worst record. If that holds, the Hawks could be in position to select Duke star Cameron Boozer, potentially pairing him with fellow Blue Devil Johnson.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo weighed in on the possible draft scenario: “The Hawks moved on from Trae Young with the knowledge that they’ll have a chance to add a star talent with this draft pick, as the Pelicans remain at the bottom of the Western Conference,” Woo wrote. “While Boozer’s fit with Jalen Johnson might be imperfect, this would be a best-available decision.” Woo projects Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa as the top two picks, with Boozer likely to land in Atlanta if the draft order holds.
Atlanta is also expected to use its own first-round pick, currently projected at No. 21 overall, to select Baylor guard Cameron Carr. Carr is turning heads with his athleticism and sharpshooting—he’s hitting 40.3% from beyond the arc this season. Woo described Carr as “an intriguing first-round swing, as an explosive athlete who continues to knock down perimeter shots at a good clip.” While Carr’s shot selection and defense are still works in progress, the Hawks’ front office appears ready to bet on his upside.
It’s a time of transformation in Atlanta, and the league is taking notice. The Hawks are putting together a strong season, and with Johnson leading the charge, there’s plenty of optimism for both the present and the future. The potential addition of a top rookie talent and a promising guard could give Atlanta one of the most exciting young cores in the NBA.
Meanwhile, LeBron James continues to rewrite the record books in his 23rd NBA season. At 41, he’s still performing at an All-Star level and earning respect from his peers. Former teammate Kevin Love, reflecting on their time together in Cleveland, recently called James “the smartest player he’s played with.” High praise from a fellow champion, and a reminder of the legacy James continues to build—even as he helps shape the next generation.
With the Lakers and Hawks set to square off, the stage is set for a fascinating showdown between mentor and protégé, veteran and rising star. While the outcome remains to be seen, one thing is certain: Jalen Johnson’s star is rising fast, and Atlanta’s future looks brighter than ever.
