LeBron James recently expressed his admiration for Josh Giddey’s progress as an NBA player following his move to the Chicago Bulls. The Los Angeles Lakers star emphasized Giddey’s improved shooting ability and overall impact on the team, noting how the guard’s evolution has elevated his game.
Currently starring for Chicago, Giddey is averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc over 34 games. His enhanced shooting makes him a more dangerous offensive threat.
From Oklahoma City to Chicago: Giddey’s Career Path and Stats
Josh Giddey was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and spent his first three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Across 314 games, he averaged 14.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, shooting 46.4% overall and 33.5% from three-point territory.
The transition to Chicago has seen Giddey refine parts of his game that were previously considered weaknesses, particularly his shooting stroke.
LeBron’s Remarks on Giddey’s Shooting and Playing Style
Speaking about Giddey, James said,
“I think Josh Giddey continues to get better and better. I think his development since he’s gotten to Chicago. His knock was when he left OKC was his ability to shoot the ball. Now, he’s shooting the ball. He’s a big guard, he pushes the pace with a lot of steam.. I think Chicago has a really great player in him.”
“His knock was when he left OKC was his ability to shoot the ball. Now he’s shooting the ball. You can’t just sag off of him, you can’t just lay off of him and dare him to shoot. He’s actually shooting the ball at a high clip. Chicago has a really good…” – LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers star
Chicago Bulls Struggling Despite Giddey’s Rise
Despite Giddey’s individual success, the Bulls are facing significant challenges. Currently holding the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 24-31 record, Chicago is enduring a six-game losing streak and has gone 1-9 in their last ten outings.
The Bulls are set to face the Toronto Raptors at the United Center following the All-Star break, hoping to reverse their recent poor form. The team’s last playoff appearance came in 2022, highlighting ongoing frustrations for a once-contending franchise.
LeBron Acknowledges Giddey at All-Star Press Conference
At his recent All-Star presser, LeBron James again praised the young Australian’s development in Chicago, giving
“big props for the young Aussie.”
His recognition underscores Giddey’s rising profile in the league and the respect he commands from veteran stars.
“LeBron James spoke on Josh Giddey’s development in Chicago at his all-star presser earlier today 🫡 Big props for the young Aussie 🇦🇺” – SleeperBulls
LeBron James’ Continued Excellence Amid Team Competition
At 41, LeBron remains one of the NBA’s top players, averaging 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 50.2% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range over 36 contests this season.
The Lakers currently hold the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a 33-21 record and a 6-4 performance in their last ten games. They are preparing to host the LA Clippers, continuing their push in a competitive Western Conference landscape.
Implications of Giddey’s Development for Bulls and NBA Futures
Josh Giddey’s growth as a scoring and playmaking guard offers hope for the Chicago Bulls to break out of their slump and contend for playoff positioning again. LeBron’s public praise may also increase expectations for Giddey’s role in Chicago’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.
As the Bulls aim to end their losing streak and improve their standing, Giddey’s development will be central to their future success. Simultaneously, LeBron’s sustained high-level performance continues to impact the Lakers’ journey through a competitive April schedule.
Lebron on Josh Giddey:
"His knock was when he left OKC was his ability to shoot the ball. Now he's shooting the ball. You can't just sag off of him, you can't just lay off of him and dare him to shoot. He's actually shooting the ball at a high clip. Chicago has a really good… pic.twitter.com/dvyHbpyIlS
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 15, 2026
LeBron James spoke on Josh Giddey’s development in Chicago at his all-star presser earlier today 🫡
Big props for the young Aussie 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/31AtnNQVE9
— SleeperBulls (@SleeperChicago) February 16, 2026
