The GOAT debate in the NBA may never die, with fans arguing between Michael Jordan and LeBron James for years now. Ever since the 2016 NBA Finals, there’s been a growing case for LeBron as the greatest player ever, something that many traditional NBA fans deny given the sheer dominance of Michael Jordan. With every passing year, the case for LeBron becomes more popular, but what do people who have played with or against both players think?
James and Jordan missed facing each other in the NBA by one season, as Jordan retired in 2003, a few months before LeBron was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a result, there are plenty of players who played extensively against Jordan and also LeBron. The statistics and accolades still lean towards Jordan, though LeBron has solidified his case as No. 2, as we explored in our comparison of the two legends. LeBron is still playing and has a few years still in him to try and climb up to the top spot.
Jason Kidd, Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen, Ron Artest, and Reggie Miller know both players either on a professional or personal level, if not both. What do they think about this quintessential basketball debate?
Jason Kidd: One of the best players I’ve played against has to be Michael Jordan just because of the expectation every night. People are going to see Michael every night, ‘What is he gonna go for? 40? 50? 60?’ He never let those people down and always put on a show. While he put on a show, he was one of the hardest players to guard. He can jump over you, he can shoot over you, and he would let you know about it too. He was probably the hardest to guard because he was on stage each night and brought it.
Jason Kidd vs. LeBron James: 14-11 Regular Season, 6-6 Playoffs
Jason Kidd vs. Michael Jordan: 6-5 Regular Season
Dwyane Wade: “LeBron is one of my good friends. I have so much respect for what he’s doing now, what he’s done and what he will eventually do, because he’s not done yet,” Wade said on the podcast. “It will definitely be an argument that will need to be had. If LeBron James ends up the No. 1 scorer of all-time, top five in assists and top five in rebounds — and have four, five or six championships — you can not do nothing but have the conversation of who is the greatest of all time… When he’s done, his statistical lineup will be the greatest the game has ever seen. I come from the Jordan era, so I’m biased. Michael Jordan will be my GOAT, but I’m not taking anything away from LeBron. I play basketball because of Michael Jordan.”
Dwyane Wade vs. LeBron James: 15-16 Regular Season
Dwyane Wade with LeBron James: 4 Seasons, 4 NBA Finals, 2 NBA Championships
Ray Allen: “I think LeBron, off the cuff, is certainly top five of all time. But playing against him and MJ, for me, it’s MJ all day long. Only because of how I played against him and that MJ had everything. From mid-range to three-points, to post-up game, he could dominate from any position. LeBron is dominant, he can do so many things on the floor. LeBron is one of the best passers the league has ever seen and that is probably the weakest part of MJ’s game. Defensively, MJ was a two-way player and incredible.”
Ray Allen vs. LeBron James: 13-10 Regular Season, 12-13 Playoff Record
Ray Allen with LeBron James: 2 Seasons, 2 NBA Finals, 1 NBA Championship
Ray Allen vs. Michael Jordan: 3-9 Regular Season
Ron Artest: “I was an amazing defender and Jordan had 40. Jordan would average more than James Harden if he played today. For sure… I played with these guys, Jordan would average 50. If he wanted to. James Harden wants to average 50, but he can’t. If Jordan wanted to average 50 today, he could do it. This is no disrespect to players that are playing today.”
Ron Artest vs. LeBron James: 8-13 Regular Season
Ron Artest vs. Michael Jordan: 2-3 Regular Season
Reggie Miller “I think in the eyes of many I don’t know if there’s anything LeBron can do to pass Jordan because I think people are always going to be set in their ways because what Mike achieved was phenomenal. It’s hard to compare eras, rules, and players. But both can lay claim to the GOAT. They really can, but you’re going to have your hardcore Jordan fans and I’m one of them. Cause I played against that black cat. I faced him. I only faced LeBron his rookie year and already then I knew I could tell he was going to be great.”.
Reggie Miller vs. LeBron James: 5-2 Regular Season
Reggie Miller vs. Michael Jordan: 17-32 Regular Season
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