Using similar statistics, compare LeBron James and Luka Doncic to Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.

Comparing players from different sports, such as LeBron James and Luka Dončić from basketball to Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell from women’s basketball, is an interesting exercise. While basketball, as a sport, is the common thread, the contexts in which these players compete are quite distinct. Not only do they play in different leagues, but they also face different historical, social, and cultural contexts. However, when we compare their statistical achievements, leadership qualities, playing styles, and impact on the game, it becomes clear that the parallel between them is rich and multifaceted.

In this essay, we will compare the statistics of LeBron James and Luka Dončić, two of the NBA’s biggest stars, with Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, two of the brightest young stars in the NCAA Women’s Basketball landscape. Though we must recognize that the league environments differ significantly—men’s and women’s basketball differ in terms of physicality, style, and the stage of development of their respective leagues—statistical metrics, playing style, and achievements provide an interesting foundation for comparison.

I. Player Profiles and Contexts

LeBron James:
LeBron James, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has revolutionized the game in numerous ways. Entering the NBA in 2003, James’ blend of athleticism, basketball IQ, leadership, and longevity has solidified him as one of the most well-rounded players in the history of the sport. Throughout his career, LeBron has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, winning four NBA championships and earning numerous accolades, including four NBA MVPs. LeBron is known for his versatility, as he can play and guard multiple positions, and his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways—whether scoring, passing, or facilitating on the defensive end.

Luka Dončić:
Luka Dončić, entering the NBA in 2018 as the third overall pick in the draft, quickly became one of the brightest young stars in the league. Dončić’s basketball IQ, elite scoring ability, passing vision, and clutch performances have propelled him to stardom in a short period. At only 24 years old, Luka has already made multiple All-NBA teams and All-Star appearances, and he is regarded as one of the most dynamic and unguardable players in the league. His game is centered on playmaking and scoring, with a high usage rate and a tendency to take over games in critical moments.

Caitlin Clark:
Caitlin Clark, the University of Iowa’s superstar, has taken women’s college basketball by storm. A guard with a lethal three-point shot and an advanced playmaking ability, Clark has been a dominant force in the NCAA, leading her team with incredible scoring, passing, and leadership. Clark’s combination of offensive efficiency and range is unprecedented in women’s college basketball. She has led the NCAA in scoring and has received numerous honors, including NCAA Player of the Year and several All-American selections. Clark is widely regarded as one of the best players in women’s college basketball history, and her impact has transcended the NCAA as she continues to inspire a new generation of young basketball players.

Kelsey Mitchell:
Kelsey Mitchell, currently playing for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, was a dominant force in college basketball before making the jump to the professional league. During her time at Ohio State, Mitchell became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, demonstrating a unique combination of scoring, leadership, and court vision. Known for her scoring prowess, Mitchell was drafted as the second overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. In the WNBA, she has established herself as a reliable scorer and an all-around player. While she is still carving out her legacy at the professional level, her college career, especially her scoring records, have solidified her as one of the best to ever play the game at the NCAA level.

II. Statistical Comparisons

LeBron James: Career Stats (as of 2024)

• Points Per Game (PPG): 27.2
• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 7.5
• Assists Per Game (APG): 7.3
• Steals Per Game (SPG): 1.6
• Blocks Per Game (BPG): 0.6
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 50.5%
• Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 34.6%
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 73.4%
• Minutes Played Per Game (MPG): 38.3

LeBron’s versatility on offense and defense has allowed him to accumulate remarkable career numbers. He has consistently been a top scorer, rebounder, and playmaker throughout his career. His shooting efficiency, particularly considering the length of his career and the numerous roles he’s played, speaks to his sustained excellence. Additionally, his ability to impact games in nearly every area—scoring, passing, defending—shows why he is considered one of the most well-rounded players in basketball history.

Luka Dončić: Career Stats (as of 2024)

• Points Per Game (PPG): 27.3
• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 8.6
• Assists Per Game (APG): 8.1
• Steals Per Game (SPG): 1.0
• Blocks Per Game (BPG): 0.5
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 46.5%
• Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 34.6%
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 74.2%
• Minutes Played Per Game (MPG): 35.5

Luka’s stats show a similar pattern to LeBron’s, but with a slightly different emphasis. Luka’s passing is the standout element of his game, regularly ranking among the league leaders in assists. His scoring ability is also elite, though his shooting efficiency is slightly lower than LeBron’s. Luka’s ability to fill up the stat sheet is remarkable, particularly at such a young age. His usage rate is among the highest in the league, and his court vision and ability to orchestrate offenses is extraordinary.

Caitlin Clark: Career Stats (as of 2024, at Iowa)

• Points Per Game (PPG): 27.4
• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 7.5
• Assists Per Game (APG): 8.1
• Steals Per Game (SPG): 1.5
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 46.5%
• Three-Point Percentage (3P%): 39.5%
• Free Throw Percentage (FT%): 87.5%
• Minutes Played Per Game (MPG): 39.1

Caitlin Clark’s statistics reflect her extraordinary dominance in college basketball. Averaging over 27 points per game, she is a scoring machine. Her three-point shooting is particularly notable, as she consistently ranks among the top in the nation for long-range shooting. Clark’s playmaking ability is also impressive, with an average of 8 assists per game, showcasing her all-around offensive game. Her rebounding for a guard is exceptional, and her free throw percentage is outstanding. Like LeBron and Luka, Clark’s statistical impact extends across all facets of the game.

Kelsey Mitchell’s stats highlight her scoring ability, though her overall numbers are not as overwhelming as those of the other three players. However, her accomplishments in college basketball are undeniable, as she became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history. While her WNBA stats are still evolving, she has established herself as a reliable scorer and facilitator. Her shooting efficiency is solid, and she’s known for being a dangerous three-point shooter. In the WNBA, she continues to grow as a playmaker and contributor.

III. Playing Styles and Impact on the Game

LeBron James is a player whose style is characterized by a blend of power, finesse, and intelligence. His court vision allows him to set up teammates in ways few players in NBA history can match, while his physicality makes him nearly unstoppable on his way to the basket. LeBron’s leadership on and off the court has made him one of the most influential players in NBA history.

Luka Dončić, like LeBron, is an incredible playmaker but is perhaps a more natural scorer. He plays with a deceptive pace and control, rarely seeming rushed, which allows him to break down defenses with his dribbling, passing, and shooting. Luka’s ability to make clutch plays, particularly in the game’s closing moments, has already made him one of the most dangerous players in the league in critical situations.

Caitlin Clark is known for her deep shooting range, which has been transformative for women’s basketball. Her ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, especially beyond the three-point arc, forces defenses to stretch further than ever before. Clark is also an exceptional passer, and her vision often opens up opportunities for her teammates. Her leadership on the floor is a testament to her competitive spirit and basketball IQ.

Kelsey Mitchell is a high-volume scorer with excellent shooting range, and she has an ability to heat up in a hurry. Like Clark, Mitchell is a scorer first, but she also has strong playmaking skills. Her fast-paced style of play and confidence in her shooting have made her a key player for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA, and she remains a fixture in the conversation about the most talented players in the league.

Though the players we are comparing here—LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Caitlin Clark, and Kelsey Mitchell—come from different stages of their careers and from different leagues, their impact on the game is undeniable. All four athletes demonstrate exceptional skills in scoring, playmaking, and leadership. LeBron and Luka are already cemented in NBA lore, while Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are blazing their own trails in women’s basketball.

Their statistical achievements, playing styles, and leadership abilities show that each is capable of transcending their individual games and transforming the teams and leagues they belong to. These players, in their respective careers, represent the future of the game of basketball, where both men’s and women’s players are achieving extraordinary feats that will be remembered for generations to come.