Giannis Antetokounmpo described LeBron James as "an alien" on Wednesday because of the way the Lakers superstar has dominated the NBA into his mid-30s.
James, who celebrates his 35th birthday Dec. 30, is averaging 25.9 points, 10.6 assists and 7.4 rebounds per game this season.
The three-time NBA champion and four-time MVP is showing no signs of slowing down in his 17th year in the league. Antetokounmpo, whose Bucks will face Los Angeles on Thursday, hailed his rival as someone he hopes to resemble late in his own career.
"It's crazy. Obviously, for me, that's one of my goals to be able to play at a high level for the next 10 years, but he's about to turn 35 this month and he's moving like that, playing like that, and just playing smart," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "It's insane to see what he's able to do, but he's LeBron James.
"He's different. He's an alien. So you expect it from him, but yeah, it's crazy."
“It’s insane… He’s an alien.”
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 18, 2019
- Giannis on @KingJames' game in Year 17. (🔊⬆️) pic.twitter.com/5nzLRKsyiZ
With matching 24-4 records, the Bucks and Lakers top the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively, this season.
The Bucks had their 18-game winning streak snapped by the Mavericks on Monday, while the Lakers fell to the Pacers on Tuesday.