LeBron James went a step further when asked who his favourite NBA player 25-and-under was during a Twitter Q&A on Monday night, saying Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is his favourite player in the league.

Doncic, the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Real Madrid, is in the midst of the deepest playoff run of his career after averaging 32.6 points, 9.9 rebounds and 7.0 assists in a 4-3 series win against the top-seeded Phoenix Suns. He led both teams in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game.

After averaging 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game as a rookie, 23-year-old Doncic has now put together three consecutive seasons averaging at least 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 8.6 assists, making three All-Star teams and earning three playoff appearances.

He is expected to be named to his third consecutive All-NBA First Team this season, and when asked for his pick of the NBA's younger stars, Los Angeles Lakers talisman James responded: "LUKA. He's my fav (sic) player!!"

The Mavericks will face the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals, with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday.