Deni Avdija may have missed his third straight game on Saturday, but that didn’t stop LeBron James from giving the Trail Blazers forward a major endorsement - one that carries serious weight in NBA circles.
Before the Lakers tipped off against Portland, LeBron took a moment to shine the spotlight on Avdija, praising the 25-year-old’s evolution into one of the league’s most dynamic young players. And even though the two didn’t share the court that night, the four-time MVP didn’t hesitate to make his stance clear: Avdija deserves an All-Star nod.
“He’s having a hell of a season. He should be an All-Star,” LeBron said.
“Obviously, his health is most important right now. Hopefully, he’s not out too long.
He’s playing great basketball.”
That’s not just lip service. LeBron’s seen enough to know when a player is breaking through, and Avdija’s numbers back it up.
Averaging 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, the Israeli forward has taken a massive leap in his first full season with Portland. He’s gone from intriguing role player to centerpiece - and he’s doing it with a blend of physicality, skill, and confidence that’s hard to ignore.
This isn’t the first time LeBron has gone out of his way to praise Avdija, either. On a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast, he broke down exactly what makes the 6-foot-9 forward such a tough cover.
“He’s a physical, physical driver to the rim,” LeBron explained. “And if you don’t have a body in front of him - if you’re on the side of him - then he’s gonna get that foul call. He’s super physical, especially going downhill to his right hand.”
That downhill aggression has become a calling card for Avdija, who’s using his size and speed to put defenders in constant jeopardy. But it’s not just brute force. LeBron also pointed out how Avdija has added layers to his game, particularly with his perimeter shooting.
“He’s worked a lot on his outside shooting, too,” LeBron said. “When he was in Washington, that’s what he did have.
He’s always had this speed with the ball - very fast, downhill to his right hand. Big body, big wing.
But this year, in particular, I’ve seen him extend his range and make some shots from the perimeter at a more consistent rate. And it’s resulted in him having a breakout, career year so far.”
That’s high praise from a player who’s seen just about everything the league has to offer. And it’s not unwarranted.
Since arriving in Portland via trade in 2024, Avdija has grown into a matchup nightmare - a player who can drive through contact, draw fouls, and knock down threes with increasing confidence. He’s not just fitting into the Blazers’ system; he’s helping define it.
At just 25 years old, Avdija is still scratching the surface of what he could become. But if this season is any indication, the Blazers may have found a cornerstone - a versatile forward who can score, facilitate, and defend, all while playing with a physical edge that demands respect.
And when a player like LeBron James says you’re an All-Star? That’s not just a compliment. That’s a statement.