NBA Role Player Says He’d Beat LeBron James, ‘Prime’ Shaq One-on-One

After claiming superiority over four teammates in the past two days, Kai Jones is taking aim at the game's greats.

In 46 games last season, Hornets center Kai Jones averaged 3.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12 minutes.

However, what Jones lacks in numbers he appears to make up for in confidence.

Jones boldly indicated on social media early Thursday morning that he believed he could defeat both Lakers forward LeBron James and “prime” Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal one-on-one.

The saga began when Jones made disparaging comments on Instagram Wednesday morning about fellow Charlotte centers Mark Williams and Nick Richards. He followed those up Thursday morning by claiming on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to be a better player than guard LaMelo Ball and forward Brandon Miller, widely viewed as cornerstones of the Hornets’ rebuild.

I’ve had a higher fg% than those guys since I came out the womb and none of them can guard me so know your ball before you talk to the one in here MF 🦋💕🐐🥇🌈 https://t.co/3B6bG4VN5O

— Kai Jones (@242_jones) September 14, 2023

Asked whether he could beat James one-on-one, Jones then replied, “Yes 100%.”

Yes 100%

— Kai Jones (@242_jones) September 14, 2023

After declaring that “this new version of me is MVP and DPOY in here over and over” followed by a string of emojis, Jones announced he would “cook prime Diesel [O’Neal] in here.”

Listen man that’s in the past this new version of me is MVP and DPOY in here over and over 🐐🥇☮️🦋💕🛸

— Kai Jones (@242_jones) September 14, 2023

I’ll cook prime diesel in here 🐐🌈🦋🛸💕💕 https://t.co/zXHkZ59YMW

— Kai Jones (@242_jones) September 14, 2023

Jones is entering his third year with Charlotte after two years at Texas, although the impact of his comments on his standing with the Hornets remains to be seen. Charlotte opens its season on Oct. 25 against the Hawks.