LeBron James Called the ‘ChatGPT of the NBA’ by Ex Teammate

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at Golden 1 Center on November 10, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

NBA veteran and future Naismith Hall of Famer LeBron James has been called many things. King James, The Chosen One, GOAT or the greatest of all time. Turns out he might have another nickname: the “ChatGPT of the NBA”.

The bizarre comparison came from former teammate Iman Shumpert, who spent four seasons alongside James with the Cleveland Cavaliers. During an appearance on Club Shay Shay hosted by Shannon Sharpe, Shumpert explained why James’ basketball IQ is unique.

“This the best way I can describe shorty. He is ChatGPT,” Shumpert said. “You can ask him anything, he knows. He know the coaches, assistants, the player development… it took me a month to get used to him saying X1, X2, X3. I’m like bro stop.”

Shumpert explained that the praise wasn’t just about James knowing plays, but also his overall depth of his knowledge. He said James could recall opposing assistants’ tendencies, remember how a specific defensive coverage looked years prior, and instantly diagnose actions as they developed in real time. Shumpert implied that level of processing felt almost artificial.

Take a listen:

Iman Shumpert’s Career and Time With LeBron James

GettyCLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 25: Iman Shumpert #4 and LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after James scored during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena on December 25, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Warriors 109-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Shumpert, 35, played 10 NBA seasons with his last appearance coming during the 2020-21 season. He was taken with the 17th pick by the New York Knicks after leaving Georgia Tech.

He played four seasons in the Big Apple before joining the Cavs, including as a key rotational player on the franchise’s historic 2016 NBA championship team. That Cavaliers squad famously came back from a 3–1 deficit in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, who were considered one of the greatest teams in league history going into that series.

The former 2008 McDonald’s All-American also had stints with the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, and Brooklyn Nets. During his career, he appeared in 461 regular seasons games while averaging 7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds. His main accolades was All-Rookie First Team honors in 2012.

Shumpert explained how James often walked teammates through reads and adjustments in detail.

“Most athletes better than you give you one pointer,” Shumpert explained. “If you can’t do it, give it to me.”

LeBron, however, “will give you the learning curve.”

In his 23rd NBA season, James continues to prove that his mind remains as sharp as ever. While physical tools inevitably evolve with age, his command of spacing, timing, and opponent tendencies still anchors his game. It’s still unknown if James will be back next season or how many more years he has left in the league.

If Shumpert’s description holds true, LeBron isn’t just playing basketball, but rather processing it and calculating it.

Alex Shoemaker Alex Shoemaker is a seasoned sports journalist and digital content strategist with more than a decade of experience in newsrooms and digital media. He has covered a wide range of sports, including March Madness, the Olympic Trials, and local high school athletics. He began his journalism career covering high school and community sports, developing a reputation for sharp storytelling and precise design that earned awards for both writing and pagination. More about Alex Shoemaker