Ranking the 15 best performances in the NBA this season

1. LeBron James’ weekend to remember (03/06-08/20)

Win, lose or draw, the Lakers’ back-to-back weekend slate against the Bucks and Clippers would make some type of statement about their title hopes.

Perhaps more importantly, it would also say a lot regarding the validity of LeBron James’ case as still the best player in the world versus the two players most likely to usurp him.

With the Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard a combined 3-0 against the Lakers this season, the stage was ideal for the King to reaffirm his spot on the throne against two of the likelier teams to stand in his way of a fourth title.

The weekend began Friday night against Milwaukee, where James poured in 37 points on 12-of-21 shooting — as well as 12-of-15 from the stripe — eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

Even more impressive than what has become an expected stat line for LeBron was his willingness to guard the reigning MVP far longer than what we’ve grown accustomed to in his later years.

LeBron defended Giannis across more than five minutes and 23.5 partial possessions, tops among any Laker defender. In that time, Antetokounmpo shot just 2-of-8 and hoisted five 3-pointers, making one in a 10-point defeat.

Two days later, it was a battle that once again pitted the two LA teams together, a likely preview of the Western Conference Finals the Clippers had owned to that point.

After scoring 16 points in the first half, LeBron bounced-back from a quiet third quarter by scoring 12 in the final frame alone, beating Kawhi by making sure he was nowhere near the action.

In total, LeBron posted 28 points, nine assists — with just two turnovers — and eight rebounds in a nine-point victory. The Clippers were fully healthy, making the Lakers that much more confident in a potential playoff matchup.

Given how the respective MVPs for Giannis and Kawhi  — regular season and Finals, respectively — came amid James’ turbulent first season in Los Angeles, it was only fair for some to view either as LeBron’s superiors heading into this season.

No matter your stance, that LeBron continues to stake a claim in the conversation with stretches like this one will forever remain a remarkable embodiment of his prolonged greatness that remains in high gear.