Luka Doncic and James Harden have often drawn comparisons because of their scoring, playmaking, and control of the offense. Both have built their games around creating opportunities with the ball in their hands.

However, Doc Rivers believes there are important differences between the two. During an appearance on Bill Simmons' podcast, Rivers pushed back against the idea that the Lakers star and Harden play the same way. The former Philadelphia 76ers coach acknowledged one major similarity, though.

“They’re different. They are different. Even though they both hold the ball forever,” Rivers said.

Doc Rivers and Bill Simmons say Luka Dončić is a better scorer than James Harden. pic.twitter.com/kN3Pxi38gc

— NBABase (@TheNBABase) November 6, 2026

Rivers also argued that Harden received more criticism for his ball-dominant style during his prime, despite Doncic holding the ball for longer stretches during his time in Dallas.

“Even in Luka’s heyday in Dallas, people never talked about it, but they killed James Harden for having the ball,” Rivers said. “Luka actually had the ball more in his hands, and no one ever said that, which is really interesting.”

However, Rivers explained that Doncic tends to execute offensive actions more quickly. He also praised both players as exceptional passers.

The discussion comes as Doncic continues to make an early case for the MVP award with the Lakers. NBA analyst Zach Lowe recently named him his leading candidate, pointing to the team's strong performance with Doncic on the floor.

“+21 with Luka on the floor, -17 per 100 with Luka off the floor. What else can you say about Luka? MVP favorite as of now, and just unguardable, completely unguardable,” Lowe said.

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Doncic is also competing with Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the early MVP conversation.

Harden, meanwhile, is now playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although their roles and teams have changed, the comparison between the two offensive stars remains a popular NBA debate.