Scottie Pippen’s comments on the PBD Podcast, hosted by Patrick Bet-David, reignited the debate surrounding basketball greatness, as the six-time NBA champion declared himself ahead of LeBron James from a team standpoint. While Pippen acknowledged his reliance on Michael Jordan to achieve those championships, he argued that his team success places him above LeBron, whose career has been marked by more individual accolades and team changes in pursuit of championships.
Patrick Bet-David: “When you say you’re the greatest of all time in the GOAT debate, that’s still saying that you’re ahead of Michael so your position is still in the game of NBA, you’re the greatest of all time all around.”
Scottie Pippen: “I’m speaking from a team standpoint, basketball as a team standpoint.”
Patrick Bet-David: “Would you put yourself ahead of LeBron as a team standpoint?”
Scottie Pippen: “My success as a team is more successful than LeBron, I got six rings.”
Patrick Bet-David: “If I speak from an NBA standpoint owner and I want to find an all around player to be my number one you think the average owner is going to pick you or LeBron”
Scottie Pippen: “I don’t know…You want individual accolades or you want championships cuz I didn’t chase mine.”
Patrick Bet-David: “That’s an argument that LeBron went to Miami he went back to Cleveland to win with Kyrie and he went back to LA to win with Anthony Davis.”
“Michael never had teammates like that and you had Michael as a teammate, but in this specific context, Scottie, I think this is very important because I’m really trying to understand your position is specific with you against Michael, you’re still saying Michael’s the greatest of all time, but maybe you’re saying you’re the greatest teammate of all time would that be a better way of qualifying it?”
Scottie Pippen: “I would say if you want to say it that that way but again team sports to me there’s no GOAT. There’s great teams, but as an individual you got to go to individual sports.”
Pippen’s argument centers on his pivotal role in helping the Chicago Bulls dominate the 1990s, where they won six NBA championships in eight seasons (1991-93, 1996-98). He contended that basketball is a team sport and emphasized that his achievements were not a result of “chasing” championships by switching teams.
Pippen and James are two of the most versatile forwards in NBA history, but their careers highlight different strengths and achievements. Pippen, a critical piece of the Chicago Bulls dynasty, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders the game has ever seen.
Over his career, Pippen averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, shooting 47.3% from the field. His accolades include six NBA championships (1991–93, 1996–98), seven All-Star appearances, and ten All-NBA selections, with three on the First Team. Known for his elite defense, Pippen earned ten All-Defensive Team selections, including eight First Team honors, showcasing his incredible ability to impact both ends of the court.
LeBron James, on the other hand, is often mentioned in the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate due to his scoring, playmaking, and remarkable longevity. As of January 2025, LeBron boasts career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, shooting an impressive 50.6% from the field.
He has won four NBA championships (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020) and earned 19 All-Star appearances and 20 All-NBA selections, including 13 First-Team honors. His four MVP awards (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013) highlight his dominance, while six All-Defensive Team selections, five of which are First Team, demonstrate his ability to excel on defense. LeBron’s adaptability to different teams and eras has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential players in basketball history.
Pippen’s six championships, achieved entirely with the Chicago Bulls, highlight his consistency and importance to a single franchise’s sustained dominance. He functioned as Jordan’s second-in-command, excelling as a lockdown defender and playmaker who could step into a primary role when needed. While Pippen’s accolades as a team player are unquestionable, critics often point out that his success was inseparable from Jordan’s presence.
LeBron, in contrast, has built a legacy of individual dominance and adaptability. With four championships across three teams (Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers), he has proven his ability to lead different rosters to the ultimate prize. LeBron’s durability and production over 22 years have allowed him to rewrite the NBA’s record books, including becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer.
This philosophy aligns with his argument that the collective success of a team outweighs individual dominance. Pippen’s role in the Bulls dynasty solidifies his place as one of the greatest teammates in NBA history, but it contrasts sharply with LeBron’s status as a transformative individual talent.
Ultimately, Pippen’s claim of ranking ahead of LeBron from a team standpoint underscores the complexity of evaluating greatness in basketball. While Pippen’s six championships and elite team contributions are undeniable, LeBron’s individual dominance and adaptability make him one of the most influential players of all time. Both legends bring different elements to the conversation, ensuring that the GOAT debate remains as dynamic and polarizing as ever.
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