LeBron James is widely considered to be the greatest player in NBA history. James has won four championships and was part of three different championship-winning teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers. Even today at the age of 40, he dominates the court. He remains the oldest active player in the league, using his experience and basketball IQ to maintain an edge at the rim. Though he is still levels above many of his peers, he is out of his prime. James may still be a top 10 player in the league, yet there will be a day when his time with the NBA must come to an end.
Victor Wembanyama,“The Alien,” has quickly become one of the most exciting young stars in basketball. In April of 2023, the San Antonio Spurs selected Wemby, and he would become the second European player ever chosen as the NBA’s first overall draft pick. Entering his third season with San Antonio, he has earned a huge following from Spurs and basketball fans alike. That same year he would earn Rookie of the Year, becoming the sixth player in NBA history to unanimously win the award, as well as the third Spurs player to earn this title.
That same year, Wembanyama became the first player to average 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in fewer than 30 minutes per game in a season. In just his second season he averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Wemby also traveled back to his home country to play basketball for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Wembanyama’s dedication to the sport proves that he can be the new face of the league — not just for his skills but for his international appeal, showing that the NBA can garner fans and players globally.
Luka Dončić, otherwise known as “Luka Legend,” is a Slovenian born basketball player. Dončić was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 NBA draft, then played seven seasons with the Mavericks until his jaw dropping trade to the Lakers. Before his NBA career, Dončić had experience playing for EuroLeague where he won MVP at just 19 years old. During his first year with the Mavericks, he earned Rookie of the Year, in which he averaged 21.2 points, 6 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game.
On the court, Dončić is a force of nature. His amazing court vision paired with outstanding basketball IQ makes him one of the best players in the NBA. He thrives off his ball handling skills and quick footwork, averaging with a 6.2 free throw per game. Dončić managed to help the Mavericks make it to the Western Conference Finals during the 2022 playoffs. Even though the Mavericks lost in five games against the Golden State Warriors, Dončić improved further the following year, cementing his rise to the cream of the crop of the NBA.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, scornfully referred to by some as “the free-throw merchant,” has emerged as the most electrifying guard in today’s league. Drafted in 2018, he got drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers, having an impressive first year as the team’s best scorer. Gilgeous-Alexander finished his first year with an outstanding first impression, placing sixth in the Rookie of the Year race. During the 2019 off-season, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he’s spent the last six seasons.
During his 2023 season, Gilgeous-Alexander racked up 30.1 points, 6.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds, making him the most complete two-way guard in the league. His control over the court both offensively and defensively makes him a formidable player. Similar to Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander also played basketball for the 2024 Paris Olympics, representing his country of Canada. The 2024-2025 NBA MVP’s elite scoring talent and leadership attracts the attention of the fans and is a clear proof of the NBA´s international growth.
When James eventually hangs up the crown, the NBA will shift its focus toward a new generation of superstars. Among them are Wembanyama, Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander. Each of them have already made a massive impact in the NBA, showcasing the talent, leadership and star power necessary to define an era. Whether it’s through highlight performances, consistent dominance or the ability to capture the attention of fans around the world, these players stand out as the ones most likely to carry on the torch. The sports world may not see another player quite like James, but his eventual exit will open the door for one of these young stars to emerge as the next face of the NBA.
