Hoops fans around the world, as well as past and present NBA players, have been debating over the rightful owner of the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) title. Majority of the choices come down between Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan and current Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Magic Johnson, an NBA all-time great himself, weighed in on the debate in an appearance at SportsCenter. The Lakers legend offered high praises for LeBron, going as far as naming him the best all-around basketball player ever. However, when it comes to “the greatest ever,” he still went with His Airness.
“First of all, let's not take anything away from LeBron James,” Johnson said, via CBS Sports. “Because LeBron James is a great basketball player, one of the all-time greatest that's ever played the game. LeBron James to me, when you think about all-around basketball players, he's probably the best of all time. An all-around basketball player. But when you want to say ‘who's the greatest ever' it's still Michael Jordan.”
Johnson certainly knows what he's talking about, so this isn't just a two cents worth statement from the five-time NBA champion. Many would probably agree that in terms of being the better all-around player, James may have the edge over Jordan.
However, MJ's unrelenting drive to win at all costs is what puts him over the top over anyone in the history of the league, including James. The fact that MJ went 6-0 in the NBA Finals, as opposed to LeBron's 3-6 record, is the major argument for all those who claim Jordan as their GOAT.
Nonetheless, Magic didn't place a period on his statement on the GOAT debate just yet, as James' basketball chapter isn't over. Maybe a championship or two with his beloved Lakers could change his tone in the near future.
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