LeBron James vs Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero scored more in 2025-26, 1.3 points a game apart (22.2 vs 20.9), on Banchero's heavier usage (27.4% vs 26.2%).

James is the more efficient scorer by true shooting, 59.4% to 56.6%; TS% folds threes and free throws into one number, so the gap survives shot-diet differences.

Playmaking goes to James (7.2 vs 5.2 assists), the glass to Banchero (8.4 vs 6.1 rebounds).

Availability is part of the comparison: Banchero played 12 more games (72 vs 60 of 82).

With James on the floor his team outscored opponents by +2.6 per 100 possessions, against -0.2 for Banchero; on-court net rating carries the teammates with it, so read it next to PIE.

On the books for 2026-27: James $3.9M through 2027-28, Banchero $41.5M through 2030-31. Whether either fits a trade is a Trade Machine question, not a stat one.