Tracy McGrady believes LeBron James ‘gets crushed’ in hypothetical NBA 1v1 tournament
NBA legend Tracy McGrady has been making the headlines for his recent comments involving Lakers great LeBron James.

Tracy McGrady and LeBron James
LeBron James is one of the greatest NBA players in the history of the league. Notably, he is often known as one of the best 5v5 players. However, he may not be the ‘greatest’ when it comes to 1v1 in the NBA. It’s safe to say, that former NBA player Tracy McGrady believes the same. With the likes of Kyrie Irving and James Harden in the league, McGrady does not put James at the top when it comes to a 1v1 contest.
During a recent appearance on “The Makeshift Podcast,” NBA icon Tracy McGrady criticized LeBron James’ one-on-one abilities. McGrady commended James’ longevity, but the Hall of Famer claimed that The King wouldn’t defeat many players in a one-on-one match.
I think LeBron has been amazing for 22 freaking years. And he’s been the best basketball player for God knows how long. But if you put him in one-on-one, I think he’ll get crushed. Yeah, I think he’ll get crushed amongst guys that are actually in the NBA. And I’m sure LeBron would tell you that.
Tracy McGrady said
Tracy McGrady says LeBron James would get ‘crushed’ in a one-on-one game against other NBA players
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 3, 2025
“I think LeBron has been amazing for 22 freaking years. And he’s been the best basketball player for, you know, God knows how long. But if you put him in one-on-one? I think he’ll… pic.twitter.com/UTRKkmVAEA
The NBA’s top scorer in history is James. He has won four MVP awards, four championships, and four Finals MVP awards. But, strangely, former players always find stuff to criticize about his playing. However, McGrady’s critique of 40-year-old LeBron James on the show did make sense. At the current juncture, James would agree with McGrady’s take as well.
However, in his prime, James was unstoppable, making McGrady’s current remarks debatable amongst NBA fans. Aside from this, James is shooting 51.0% from the field, 37.4% from beyond the arc, and 77.1% from the free-throw line while averaging 24.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.4 assists for the Lakers this season. Despite being the league’s oldest player (40), he continues to produce outstanding results.
LeBron James had an amazing response to Jarret Allen’s recent ‘dunk’ comments
Although he performed admirably, Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen chastised himself on Wednesday night for his fastbreak slam in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks. Allen claimed that he did not impress himself with his attempt to emulate LeBron James, a breakaway dunk enthusiast renowned for his spectacular finishes.
However, it was LeBron James who got the Cavs stars’ back via his official Instagram account. James seemingly heard Allen’s post-match interview and took to his Instagram to put forward an amazing response towards Allen.
You got it next time J.A.,” plus a ton of laughing emojis (one of his favorites). Love this dude!!!! GREAT ENERGY AND SPIRIT.
LeBron James wrote on Instagram
LeBron James responds to Jarrett Allen via IG 😭 pic.twitter.com/hfLC1JyJpA
— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) April 3, 2025
When the Cavaliers visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, Allen may get another opportunity to hone his “Bron imitation,” if he so desires.
LeBron James praised youngster Jaxson Hayes on Mind the Game
The Los Angeles Lakers traded their star center Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic. With this move, the Lakers immediately lacked depth in the center position. However, the Lakers brought in center Maxi Kleber but he got injured, making youngster Jaxson Hayes the starting center for the Lakers.
Now, Hayes has not set a foot wrong ever since he was promoted to the starting lineup, garnering immense praise from his teammate LeBron James. During the James era, he made it a point to identify what might have been the Lakers’ greatest X-factor in their quest for a second championship. That is of course, the inclusion of Hayes.
I gotta give a big shoutout and credit to Jaxson Hayes. Him stepping into that void losing AD — it’s a lot. I think Jaxson was like, ‘I can’t make up for that,’ and we didn’t ask him to make up for that.
LeBron James on Jaxson Hayes
It’s important to note that the Lakers did try a deadline day move for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams but failed due to medical reasons. Nevertheless, Hayes has made his presence known. The 7-footer from Texas is averaging 7.0 points per game, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 blocks, 0.5 steals, and 73.1 percent shooting from the field and 66.3 percent shooting from the foul line.