like vs the likes of

like and the likes of both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
like	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
the likes of	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, like and the likes of are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of like include the like.

like (noun)	the likes of (noun)
a kind of person	a similar kind
a similar kind

like (adjective)	the likes of (adjective)
resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination
equal in amount or value
having the same or similar characteristics
conforming in every respect

like (verb)	the likes of (verb)
feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard
to hope, to desire or to prefer to have something, or to do something
be fond of
find enjoyable or agreeable
want to have