Angeleno Mimics NBA Stars After James Harden’s Big Game

Los Angeles, California — Following James Harden‘s impressive performance of scoring fifty points in a game, Maxim Peranidze, a twenty-six-year-old Angeleno, decided to channel his admiration for the Clippers star on an indoor court in the San Fernando Valley.

Peranidze rented the space with his twin brother, Gene, and expressed his determination to mimic Harden, describing the player as a “white whale” in his impersonation career. “I was, like, ‘Bet—I got him,’” Peranidze recounted, emphasizing the difficulty of capturing the essence of Harden, especially given that Peranidze is right-handed.

To enhance his impersonation, he invested in a fake beard from Amazon, costing “nine dollars.” He shared his latest creation with his one million Instagram followers, showcasing his take on Harden’s signature floaters. Peranidze described Harden’s unique style as, “He nice.”

In preparation to mimic another Clippers player, Ivica Zubac, a seven-foot Croatian center, Peranidze noted, “Zubac easy. I’m good with slow white guys.” He also demonstrated his skills impersonating reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić, a favorite for next year’s award.

While practicing with Gene, who often plays the role of a generic point guard, Peranidze set up an imaginary screen and executed some rehearsal spins. After making a layup, he excitedly declared, “I told you, he got no control,” referring to Gene’s antics. “He goofy.”

Though some players find his impressions frustrating—such as his portrayal of Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese—many others appreciate Peranidze’s work. He mentioned that when he impersonated New York Liberty‘s players, they responded positively with emojis.

As he switched roles, Peranidze even received a direct message from basketball legend Dennis Rodman. “Make. Me. Next,” Rodman wrote, while Mavericks owner Mark Cuban complimented him, saying, “Love the impressions.” He also emphasized his connection with players, sharing stories about conversations with current stars like Jordan Poole.

Peranidze’s extensive jersey collection represents a strategic approach: he customizes his outfits to adapt to trades by performing “arts-and-crafts” on jerseys so they reflect the latest rosters. While practicing, he humorously attempted a throw mimicking Shaquille O’Neal, showcasing his versatility.

“Wanna see LeBron? That’s who people think of when they think of me,” he said, putting on a gray beard to replicate LeBron James, who recently celebrated his fortieth birthday. Peranidze strutted around the court, embodying the essence of the star while eliciting laughter.

In a brief phone call with his mother conducted in Russian, Peranidze addressed his struggles with practical matters, like “health insurance.” Nonetheless, his passion for basketball impersonations continues to flourish in the vibrant Los Angeles community.