LeBron James’ 2021-22 season will be a very challenging one to evaluate in terms of whether this season has hurt his chances to one day claim the crown of ‘Greatest of All Time’. While his individual numbers have been phenomenal, his Lakers slumped to the worst team record LeBron has had in his 19-year NBA career.
The Lakers were eliminated from the post-season yesterday when they lost to the Phoenix Suns. LeBron sat on the bench and was resting an ankle injury as his Lakers haplessly lost for the seventh time in a row. But if LeBron plays two more games and continues scoring at the current rate he has been, he will become the oldest NBA scoring champion.
In the midst of the hate LeBron is receiving, Kendrick Perkins decided to step up for LeBron and his GOAT case on Twitter.
I knew @stephenasmith and @JalenRose were going to start this that 🐐 conversation BS!!! Lebron James is in 37 years old. This season has Zero impact on his Legacy or GOAT conversation. Y’all need to stop with that. Carry the hell on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 6, 2022
The GOAT conversation is a debate that will last forever, especially when LeBron is still playing. LBJ has one of the greatest playoff records in NBA history with his 10 Finals appearances and has made the playoffs 16 out of 19 times in his career. When we look back at his career 10-15 years from now, this season will stand out for the numbers he put up as a 37-year-old more than what was the record of his team.
People rarely talk about any great players’ regular-season record while evaluating the later years of their careers. LeBron has already been held to a higher standard than others throughout his career, so this expectation of him at this age is also a testament to his longevity.
The GOATR race can never be settled. Some people have Michael Jordan as their GOAT and you will not be able to convince them otherwise. The same goes for the camp that has LeBron as their GOAT. These conversations and debates are fun, but sadly, can never really be answered.
