LeBron James vs Nikola Jokic: Evaluating Olympics MVP favorites performances ahead of epic semifinal showdown

LeBron James and Nikola Jokic have had some intense battles over the last two years in the NBA. This summer, they are taking their duel to Paris in the 2024 Summer Olympics. The Thursday semi-final showdown between Team USA and Serbia is expected to capture the basketball world’s attention.

Besides glory for the country, individual honor could also be at stake when the Americans and the Serbians meet. The MVP battle between James and Jokic will be the biggest sub-plot in the matchup. Whoever wins the matchup might go on to grab that recognition in a few days.

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LeBron James and Nikola Jokic have been impactful despite what their respective averages indicate

LeBron James is playing 20.5 minutes per game, averaging 13.8 points (24th), 5.8 rebounds (16th) and 7.8 assists (2nd). The Americans’ embarrassing collection of talents makes it almost impossible for “King James” to average over 25 minutes in a 40-minute game. Despite the seemingly pedestrian averages, his impact has been undeniable.

Even if he is the oldest player on Team USA, “King James” is arguably its most impactful. James’ playmaking has allowed coach Steve Kerr to maximize Steph Curry’s threat from deep. Even when Curry isn’t shooting well, opponents will give him no room to shoot as he can get hot at any moment. James has been using that gravity to dissect defenses.

Besides his playmaking, LeBron James can also shoulder the scoring burden when needed. At times, he has been unstoppable when driving to the basket.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic is seemingly in cruise control in 29.8 minutes per game in the Olympics. “The Joker” is putting up 19.3 points (7th), 11.8 rebounds(1st) and 7.5 assists (5th) in the tournament.

Jokic’s MVP contention likely skyrocketed in the Serbians’ nail-biting overtime win against Australia in the quarter-finals. Behind the reigning NBA MVP, Pesic’s squad erased a 24-point deficit to punch a ticket to the semi-finals with a 95-90 victory.

The Aussies had a 90-89 lead with 1:32 left in the extra period while Patty Mills threatened to extend the lead. Nikola Jokic kept him from doing it by stealing the ball from Australia’s captain before scoring a layup that turned out to be the go-ahead basket.

Following a missed jumper from Jack McVeigh, the Denver Nuggets superstar grabbed the ball and scored on a tough fadeaway on the other end. When Serbia needed him most, Jokic answered the bell.

LeBron James' heroics haven't been needed (yet) in the Olympics. Perhaps the game on Thursday will require him to wear just that.

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Team USA and Serbia will not hold back LeBron James and Nikola Jokic from playing

LeBron James played 27 minutes, his most in the Olympics, in Team USA’s 110-84 win against Serbia in the group stage. After a tight first half, the Americans broke the game open starting the third quarter behind the four-time NBA champ. He will likely get the same playing time or even more in the rematch on Thursday.

Nikola Jokic will likely be on that trend as the only way Serbians can pull off an upset is if “The Joker” plays extremely well. Although they will not guard each other, basketball fans will key in on both during the matchup.

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Team USA’s stacked roster could work against LeBron James

Team USA’s star-studded roster could steal the thunder away from “King James.” Kevin Durant, the MVP in Tokyo, Steph Curry and Anthony Edwards are all capable of exploding in the semi-final. One of the three could carry that momentum to the gold medal game and win the MVP.

The same isn’t likely happening for Serbia which will be desperate to have Nikola Jokic show why he is a three-time and reigning NBA MVP. If the Serbs pull off the upset of the tournament and go on to win the gold, Jokic’s name will likely be on the MVP trophy.