NBA Honors: LeBron James, Donovan Mitchell Shine as Players of the Month

LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2025 — LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers have been named the Kia NBA Players of the Month for February, recognizing their standout performances in the league.

James, who led the Lakers to a 10-2 record while averaging 29.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, makes history as the oldest player to win the Player of the Month award at 40 years old. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Karl Malone at age 37 in November 2000.

“It’s a blessing to continue performing at a high level,” James said in a statement. “I’m grateful for my teammates and our coaching staff for their support.”

Mitchell, recognized as the Eastern Conference Player of the Month, guided the Cavaliers to an NBA-best 10-1 record while scoring an average of 25.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. He notably scored at least 20 points in eight games and set a season high of 41 points during a comeback victory against Boston on February 28.

“The team’s success fuels my performance,” Mitchell stated. “I’m proud of what we are accomplishing together.”

In the Rookie of the Month category, Isaiah Collier of the Utah Jazz and Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks received honors for their February performances. Collier, the Western Conference Rookie of the Month, averaged 11.5 points, 9.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, leading all rookies in assists during the month. He also recorded six point-assist double-doubles, the third-most in the NBA.

“I’m just focused on helping my team win every game,” Collier said after receiving the accolade.

Risacher, the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month, averaged 12.8 points per game, ranking second among Eastern rookies, and netted double figures in 10 of 12 games. His impressive stats also included 153 total points, making him the second-highest scoring rookie for the month.

“It’s an honor to be recognized, and I hope to keep improving,” said Risacher.

On the defensive front, Toumani Camara of the Portland Trail Blazers and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers earned the Defensive Players of the Month honors. Camara excelled in February, recording more than 80 rebounds, 20 steals, and 10 blocks, making him the only player in the NBA to achieve this feat during the month.

“Defense is about effort and determination,” Camara said. “I’m just trying to contribute every way I can.”

Mobley, celebrated for his defensive skills, recorded 25 blocks in February, tied for the most in the Eastern Conference. This marks his second Player of the Month award, solidifying his role as a key defensive asset for the Cavaliers.

The Coaches of the Month accolades went to Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder and J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons. Daigneault led the Thunder to an impressive 11-2 record with an average of 127.7 points per game, while Bickerstaff guided the Pistons to a 9-3 record, including an eight-game win streak.

“It’s about strategy and putting our players in the best position to succeed,” Daigneault stated after his recognition.