LeBron James Names Breanna Stewart His Favorite Female Player: “Her Playing Style Matches Mine”
LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players in history, has been an inspiration to countless athletes worldwide. His influence transcends basketball and sports, shaping discussions around leadership, excellence, and social impact. Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar made headlines once again, not for his on-court exploits, but for revealing his admiration for WNBA star Breanna Stewart. LeBron named Stewart as his favorite female basketball player, pointing out how her playing style resonates with his own. This comparison between two basketball legends sparked excitement and intrigue among fans, fueling discussions about what it means for these two stars to be compared.
LeBron’s Admiration for Stewart: A Bold Endorsement
When asked about his favorite female player in the WNBA, LeBron James didn’t hesitate to name Breanna Stewart. The two-time MVP and four-time WNBA champion, who currently plays for the New York Liberty, has long been admired for her versatility, dominance, and basketball IQ—qualities LeBron is famous for.
“She’s a complete player,” LeBron said in an interview. “She can score, rebound, pass, and defend at an elite level. The way she plays, it feels like she sees the game the same way I do. She’s always a step ahead, and that’s something I respect and try to emulate in my own game.”
LeBron’s statement is a powerful endorsement for Stewart, who has already cemented her place as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of her generation. To be singled out by a player of LeBron’s stature underscores her impact not just in the WNBA, but in the global basketball community.
Breanna Stewart: A True Basketball Force
Breanna Stewart has been nothing short of phenomenal throughout her career. After a stellar college career at UConn, where she won four consecutive national championships, she transitioned seamlessly to the WNBA, quickly becoming one of the league’s brightest stars. Stewart has won multiple WNBA titles with the Seattle Storm and continues to be a key player for the New York Liberty.
Her game is the embodiment of modern basketball—positionless, fluid, and highly adaptable. At 6’4”, she can shoot from deep, score in the post, and handle the ball like a guard. Her defense is equally versatile, with the ability to guard multiple positions, block shots, and disrupt passing lanes. Much like LeBron, Stewart makes her teammates better, often facilitating the offense and creating opportunities for others while remaining a constant scoring threat herself.
The Similarities Between LeBron and Stewart’s Playing Styles
LeBron’s admiration for Stewart becomes even clearer when examining their playing styles. Both athletes are known for their all-around abilities and their capacity to dominate the game in various ways.
1.Versatility: One of the key attributes that define both LeBron and Stewart is their versatility. LeBron has redefined the small forward position, excelling as a point guard, power forward, and even center when needed. Similarly, Stewart’s game breaks traditional position barriers. Her ability to play and defend all five positions is a hallmark of her success, and she seamlessly shifts from scoring to facilitating to defending, depending on what her team needs.
2.Basketball IQ: Both players are celebrated for their high basketball IQ. LeBron is often praised for his court vision, decision-making, and ability to read the game several steps ahead. Likewise, Stewart has been lauded for her mental approach to basketball, always making the right plays, whether it’s passing out of a double team, setting screens, or recognizing mismatches.
3.Leadership: While LeBron is one of the most recognized leaders in sports, leading his teams to four NBA championships, Stewart has demonstrated similar leadership qualities in the WNBA and on the international stage. She led the U.S. women’s national team to Olympic gold and has been the driving force behind her teams’ successes at both the collegiate and professional levels. Both athletes lead by example, showing their teammates how to succeed by doing the little things—hustling on defense, making smart plays, and staying mentally sharp.
4.Dominance in Big Moments: Whether it’s Game 7 of the NBA Finals or a deciding WNBA championship game, both LeBron and Stewart have shown the ability to elevate their performance in the biggest moments. LeBron’s legendary Finals performances, like his 2016 Game 7 block, are the stuff of NBA lore. Stewart, similarly, has repeatedly stepped up in crucial WNBA playoff games, including her unforgettable performances in the 2020 WNBA Finals, where she averaged 28 points per game and earned Finals MVP.
LeBron’s Influence on the Women’s Game
LeBron James has long been a vocal advocate for women’s sports, particularly the WNBA. He frequently tweets about games, congratulates players on their accomplishments, and uses his platform to draw attention to the league. His support of the WNBA has played a significant role in bringing the league greater exposure.
By naming Breanna Stewart as his favorite female player, LeBron is shining a spotlight on the WNBA and encouraging a new generation of fans to appreciate the women’s game. It’s a nod to the growing crossover between the NBA and WNBA, as more and more NBA players express their respect for the talent