The NBA and the world of Television are more alike than different. Both have characters we root for and against, as well as storylines and moments that are remembered forever.
TV and the NBA bring people together, creating priceless memories that people hold dear. The skilled and entertaining players of the NBA and TV’s most memorable characters are mirrors to one another.
Here’s the NBA Players and the TV characters they remind us of.
LeBron James: Olivia Benson, Law & Order: SVU
Olivia Benson is the only person in the world to match LeBron’s longevity.
Law & Order: SVU has been running for a whopping 27 seasons. Olivia Benson has been a part of the show since its inception. Through 27 seasons, we’ve gotten to see Olivia grow from a newer member of the squad to the most senior. Similarly, we’ve seen LeBron grow from the most hyped prospect of all time to the greatest player of all time.
Much like LeBron in his prime, Olivia carries her team to the finish line and cares about her profession more than most. That doesn’t mean they didn’t have amazing partners in crime throughout their run. Dwyane Wade had a ring under his belt by the time LeBron got to the Heat. Likewise, Elliot Stabler had more experience than Olivia. But when both teammates got together, they maximized their potential.
Olivia and Lebron walked the same path of greatness.
Anthony Edwards: Will Smith, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Both Anthony Edwards and Will Smith are unapologetically themselves.
In The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, when Will Smith walked into the room, everybody stopped and looked. Similarly, when Edwards is on the court, you can’t help but stop what you’re doing and watch. They both have a charismatic presence and a great personality.
When Will moved to Bel-Air, he stuck out like a sore thumb. He talked differently from everyone else and never conformed. Likewise, when Edwards joined the league, the way he spoke in press conferences was a huge topic of conversation. The 24-year-old spoke as he would in everyday life, and that was off-putting for some people, while others enjoyed his authenticity.
Will and Edwards’ authenticity and likability made them instant fan favorites.
Kevin Durant: Johnny Lawrence, Cobra Kai
Johnny Lawrence and Kevin Durant are heroes to some and villains to others.
Few have had a better redemption arc than Johnny Lawrence. He started as an antagonist to Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid, then later in life transitioned into a protagonist we’re all rooting for in Cobra Kai. Comparably, Durant was hated when he signed with the Warriors. Since then, time has healed most wounds as the former Longhorn is seen more favorably by the majority of fans. The 37-year-old’s excellence is too captivating for fans to vilify him for too long.
If the Rockets win the championship, it would be a full-circle moment like Johnny winning the All-Valley.
Luka Dončić: Robb Stark, Game of Thrones
The only betrayal comparable to the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones is the night Luka got traded. Both are moments we’ll never forget. Fans still remember where they were when they witnessed them.
Robb Stark and Luka Doncic were both betrayed when they least expected it. The execution of these betrayals was swift and shocking. For Robb Stark, it was the end, but for Luka, it was only the beginning. Since his trade to the Lakers, the 26-year-old has played some of the best basketball of his career. The trade seemed to give him more motivation to win.
The biggest trade in NBA history turned Luka into a force to be reckoned with.
Victor Wembanyama: Aang, Avatar: The Last Airbender
Aang from Avatar: the Last Airbender and Victor Wembanyama are both once-in-a-lifetime talents.
Aang mastered all four elements, something only he can do. Similarly, Wembanyama is extremely skilled and technically sound with a 7-foot-5 frame. The silver medalist is an anomaly never seen in basketball. The 22-year-old can do things with a ball that no one else can.
Aang led his once-powerful nation back to its former glory. The Spurs center has the potential to do the same with a former dynasty.
Aang and Wembanyama both had generational potential and hype. One capitalized, will the other?
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