The GOAT debate is hotter than ever now, but this is a topic that’s been discussed for quite some time. Everybody has his own GOAT, and even though most people consider Michael Jordan or LeBron James deserving of that title, there are more legends in the games that can easily be called the greatest player of all time, too.
One of those is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the most dominant players in his era, leading the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers to the promised land, winning six titles throughout his career (one with the Bucks and five with the Lakers), becoming one of the best to ever do it. Back in 2018, Kareem reflected on the never-ending GOAT debate, giving his opinion on why he doesn’t believe Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time.
During an interview with the Dan Patrick Show, KAJ shared his reaction to people calling Mike the greatest ever:
“I react by saying those people probably didn’t see Oscar Robertson play. They didn’t see Jerry West play. Some of the guys that played when the games weren’t televised,” Kareem began.
He also talked about people overlooking him when they make those types of lists.
“People admire Michael’s extraordinary athletic ability which is so obvious, and for me, they just see someone who’s tall. They don’t think I’m working that hard at it.”
In the end, he said all players are different and it’s complicated to see one baller doing the same things that another did, which gives more reasons to people to argue about who the real GOAT is. But for Kareem, that’s what makes everybody special in the league.
“I couldn’t do what Michael did and Michael couldn’t do what I did. That’s just something people are going to argue about.”
Abdul-Jabbar believes Michael is not the GOAT since the people that played before him also made records and had terrific careers to be considered GOATS, too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rojXqmsYRWQ
