The GOAT debate still keeps making noise around the league, although it is not as hot as last year. Still, people always have something to say about this. Obviously, everybody has a favorite between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Toni Kukoc, a former Jordan teammate, has a unique way of seeing this whole thing. He played alongside MJ and has watched LeBron do his thing, so he’s an authorized voice to discuss this matter. Recently, the Chicago Bulls legend talked with Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, explaining who the game’s evolution has helped the new generations.
LeBron James, Michael Jordan comparisons are difficult to make because MJ & LBJ didn’t play in the same era MJ’s Bulls teammate Toni Kukoc shared during our @zennioptical EYECONS Q&A.
“Never played against each other.
“Michael brought world basketball to another level.” pic.twitter.com/jWaNRbuqiP
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) July 19, 2021
“It’s hard to compare players that never played in the same era, that never played against each other… The game of basketball is evolving, it’s getting better. These days you can see all the previous players, you can get all their moves, you can practise those moves, you can get a knowledge of what to eat, how to prepare yourself, how to get rid of the injuries faster, how to keep your body in shape, all these little thing, which appear to be little things but they’re not, can make you a better player.”
Moreover, Kukoc decided not to compare Jordan and James. He went further and said that His Airness can be compared to the GOATs of other sports like golf, soccer, and more.
“When it comes to Michael from 80s/90s or LeBron from 00s/10s, you can’t just say one was the better than the other. Michael obviously brought world basketball to another level. From that point on, LeBron is what LeBron is. Now give a chance to Luka or Jokic, you can never imagine that back in the days. So, if I can compare Michael, I’ll probably compare with Tiger (Golf), Messi/Ronaldo (Soccer), Phelps of swimming…”
Even though he didn’t specifically say it, this implies that Jordan is better than LeBron in Kukoc’s eyes. MJ has been compared to other athletes like Muhammad Ali, Tom Brady, and more, demonstrating that his level is on another dimension.
Of course, Kukoc’s opinion won’t define who the best player of all time is, but it gives you an idea of how high people are on Jordan compared to King James.
