LeBron James' most recent triumph with the Los Angeles Lakers has reignited the debate about who is the greatest basketball player in NBA history.
For years, Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan has been heralded by many–including peers and commentators–as the “GOAT,” but LeBron certainly has an argument.
James also hinted at the debate himself during the championship ceremony, saying “I want my damn respect.” However, he also plainly stated he would leave “GOAT” debates to the fans and media.
For what it's worth though, Lakers teammate Jared Dudley said on Wednesday that he never once heard James claim he was better than Jordan.
— ClutchPoints NBA (@ClutchPointsNBA) October 14, 2020
LeBron James might not have called Michael Jordan out by name, but he has in fact declared himself the “greatest player of all time” in the past.
Indeed, James uttered that statement during an episode of ESPN's “More Than Athlete” after a segment about the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic comeback against the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals (via NBA.com):
“That's what I felt. I was super, super ecstatic to win one for Cleveland because of the 52-year (championship) drought. And then after I stopped (celebrating), I was like, that one right there made you the greatest player of all time. Everybody was talking how they were the greatest team ever assembled, and for us to come back the way we came back, I was like, you did something special,” the Lakers superstar said at the time.
“That was one of the only times in my career I felt like, you did something special. I haven't had much time to sit back and think (about my achievements). But that was a moment.”
It is unlikely fans and players will ever come to a universal agreement on this topic. However, James' body of work is immense. Aside from the four titles, LeBron also has four NBA MVP Awards and has been named First Team All-NBA 13 times.
If nothing else, “King James” is certainly worthy of being seen “eye-to-eye” with MJ.
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