Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on difference playing with LeBron James vs. Nikola Jokic

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has seen both sides of the rivalry between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. He's also won championships with both Denver and Los Angeles, making him a unique expert on what it's like to play with two of the preeminent forces of the modern era.

In a recent appearance on The Draymond Green Show, Caldwell-Pope spoke candidly about the difference between playing with Denver and Los Angeles' franchise players: LeBron James and Nikola Jokic.

James and Jokic have won a combined seven NBA MVP awards, and have won two of the five Finals MVP honors since 2020. They're also widely regarded as two of the greatest playmakers in the history of the sport, with generational court vision, passing ability, and isolation scoring skills.

In the interview with Green, Caldwell-Pope praised both James and Jokic as players and discussed the specifics of minor differences that make them different.

"You see Bron on the ball mostly. Bringing the ball up. Even though Jok can do the same thing, point 5. Them two guys, they demand attention. As soon as they check the ball in. I just say it off that: I knew them guys was gonna have so much attention on them, and I was gonna either get a wide open shot or we create a wide open shot."

Caldwell-Pope continued:

"I don't see a difference between them two. Their IQ is [expletive] out this world...what made my career great playing with them: They were willing to pass the ball. If you're open, they're going to try to get it to you. All I had to do was be ready to shoot. "

Few players simplify the game for their teammates as well as James and Jokic, and Caldwell-Pope had a front row seat to both of their greatness.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope praises LeBron James, Nikola Jokic

Caldwell-Pope played four seasons with the Lakers, spending three alongside James. During that time, he emerged as one of the top 3-and-D wings in the NBA, helping Los Angeles capture the 2020 NBA championship.

Caldwell-Pope was third on the Lakers in scoring during the 2020 NBA Finals, scoring 17 points during the decisive Game 6 to help the franchise clinch the title.

Caldwell-Pope was regrettably traded to the Washington Wizards just one year later in the deal that sent Russell Westbrook to the Lakers. He's spent the past two seasons in Denver, further cementing himself as one of the top 3-and-D players in the game.

Caldwell-Pope helped Denver win its first-ever championship in 2022-23, scoring 11 points in the closeout game of the NBA Finals and operating as its primary perimeter defender throughout the season.

Caldwell-Pope will now head to the resurgent Orlando Magic hoping to help the team take another step toward contending. Orlando won 47 games in 2023-24, its most since 2010-11, and made the playoffs for just the third time since 2012-13.

Caldwell-Pope will play alongside 2022-23 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, who averaged a career-best 5.4 assists per game in 2023-24.

Banchero has All-NBA potential, and has already made it to the All-Star Game just two seasons into his career. There's nothing quite like playing alongside James and Jokic, however, as they rank among the greatest facilitators in the history of the sport.

Back in Los Angeles, the Lakers will continue to hope that one of their players will step up to fill the void left by Caldwell-Pope three years ago.