The debate of which player is the greatest player of all time will always rage on in the NBA. Even if people try and say Michael Jordan has a decisive case as the GOAT, players like LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have incredible careers themselves that could be considered the greatest.
If what you value are accolades and an unmatched peak, it’s probably Jordan. If you want longevity and consistency, it’s probably LeBron or Kareem. Either way, these debates will never have a universal answer.
Despite that, we continue debating it. Jalen Rose has come out with a strong reiteration of his stance supporting Jordan as the GOAT over LeBron, citing the numerous accolades that MJ won that LeBron hasn’t and probably never will.
“When you talk about the best players of all time, you ultimately start talking about who’s the GOAT. And when you talk about GOAT, the first word is ‘Greatest.’ That means achieved more than somebody else. And if we’re comparing Michael Jordan and LeBron, for example, Michael Jordan got ten scoring titles LeBron has one. Michael Jordan has been Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA, LeBron hasn’t.”
“Michael Jordan has two separate three-peats, LeBron doesn’t have one three-peat. And so, like, you don’t necessarily even need to watch them play to acknowledge that what Michael Jordan achieved just solely on the court is greater.” (h/t SportsKeeda)
MJ’s peak in the ’90s is one of the most incredible things seen in basketball. He was totally unbeatable in that era, and he has a 6-0 Finals record with two 3-peats to prove it.
However, what LeBron has achieved is no small feat. He is entering Year 20 of his career and doesn’t look like he is done. He is about to become the league’s all-time greatest scorer, is the only person to win Finals MVP on 3 teams, and could retire with the most All-NBA and All-Star appearances barring injury in the next few seasons.
GOATs are a matter of individual consideration, and if someone has to pick MJ or LeBron, they can say either because there is no wrong or right answer.
