Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Stephen A. Smith Reveals His Top 5 NBA Players Of All Time: Michael Jordan Is The GOAT, LeBron James Is No. 2
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Stephen A. Smith Reveals His Top 5 NBA Players Of All Time: Michael Jordan Is The GOAT, LeBron James Is No. 2

Stephen A. Smith Reveals His Top 5 NBA Players Of All Time: Michael Jordan Is The GOAT, LeBron James Is No. 2

Aditya Mohapatra
Jul 7, 2022
3 Min Read
Share

The NBA is a league that has seen its fair share of superstars. While we might see many make either the All-Star teams or the All-NBA, some players have carved their name in the sport’s upper echelon.

These players are the cornerstone of the ever-growing NBA and are rightly considered among the greatest players of All-Time. While many discussions may come and go, the GOAT debate has always been a constant in NBA media.

Be it someone claiming that Michael Jordan is the GOAT, there are others who claim that it is LeBron James who has been the best ever to do it. ESPN’s veteran analyst and presenter Stephen A. Smith recently had his say on the debate.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NBA on ESPN (@nbaonespn)

The analyst reportedly had his GOAT list in the order of Michael Jordan, followed by LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Magic Johnson. 

While Smith has always been public about his admiration of ‘His Airness’, it was pleasing to see that the veteran analyst considered Lakers forward LeBron James as the second-best player ever to play the game. 

The players following up on LBJ aren’t shabby either, with Lakers legend and 6-time NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar making a list, followed by record NBA champion Bill Russell and perhaps one of the most influential point guards in Magic Johnson.

While the top 5 list by Smith is solid, there were some noticeable commissions to the list as well, including 5-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant. While a GOAT list is subjective and might change from person to person, there is no denying that the list analyst put up back themselves in terms of records, talents, and the absurd number of individual achievements they have had.

What is more astonishing, however, is that despite him already being on the list, LeBron James is at the top of his game and still putting up ridiculous numbers all across the board. He might have 19 seasons under his belt, but he is certainly not done. 

Can LBJ add some more titles and some more achievements to his ever-increasing list of accolades? Who do you think is the GOAT?

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:LeBron JamesMichael JordanStephen A. Smith
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByAditya Mohapatra
Follow:
Aditya Mohapatra is an NBA writer for Fadeaway who specializes In throwbacks and blockbuster NBA trades. Having graduated from Xavier University, Aditya has a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication.He is a die-hard Lakers fan and considers his idol LeBron James as the greatest player to grace the basketball court.
Previous Article Brian Windhorst Praises Zion Williamson With A Shaquille O’Neal Comparison: “He’s The Most Dominant Interior Scorer In The NBA Since Shaq”
Next Article Joe Pompliano Explains How LeBron James Can Own An NBA Team In Las Vegas
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) high fives head coach JJ Redick during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Provides Update On Luka Doncic After He Gets Ruled Out For Lakers’ First 2 Preseason Games

October 3, 2025
Devin Booker
Phoenix Suns News & Analysis

Devin Booker Reveals He Has “Unfinished Business” With Phoenix Suns

October 3, 2025
Jayson Tatum
Boston Celtics News & Analysis

New Return Date For Jayson Tatum Could Put Celtics Back In Championship Picture

October 3, 2025
Warriors star Jimmy Butler
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Stephen Curry Says Jimmy Butler Gives Warriors “Legitimate Shot” At 2026 Title

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?