The NBA GOAT debate will continue forever, but many people have their opinions on who they think is the greatest of all time. The list of candidates is usually Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul Jabaar, Wilt Chamberlain, and even Bill Russell. Other people may have different opinions, but those are the main people. While there are several candidates, the debate between Michael Jordan and Lebron James is the most common. Even though there is no defined answer, this still remains one of the most argued topics.
The main case for Lebron is that he has played at an MVP level for his entire career and he is 37 years old. Lebron has 4 championships and he won Finals MVP in all of them. People who think that Lebron is the GOAT believe that his championship in 2016 was more valuable than anything Jordan won. This championship was played against the Golden State Warriors who broke the record for the best regular season record, and they went 73-9. The Warriors were also up 3-1 in a 7 game series, and it was the first time that a team has ever come back from a deficit that big in the NBA Finals. Moving on, Lebron has won 4 MVPs, is an 18x All Star, and 13x NBA All First Team. Lebron supporters also use the fact that Lebron skipped college and went straight to the NBA, and got selected first in the draft, as an argument. They believe that Lebron was the better talent, and that he has had more pressure on him throughout his career.
The main case for Jordan is that he went 6-0 in the NBA Finals, and won Finals MVP in all of those. MJ is a 5x MVP, 14x NBA All Star, and 10x NBA First Team. Many arguers say that Jordan played in an era that had tough, physical defense. MJ had to go through the Pistons and a lot of people think that the Pistons were so tough that Lebron would be physically outmatched. They believe that there is no defense played today, therefore Lebron is overrated. Also, MJ was a seen as a great defensive player and he even won a DPOY. Most Mj supporters think that he was the more clutch player because he had a couple iconic buzzer beaters in the playoffs. Lastly, they think that MJ would dominate in today’s era of “no defense”.
Personally, I believe that Lebron is the better player, and the GOAT. I think that his 2 championships, the one in the bubble and the 3-1 deficit, are much better than Jordan’s six. I believe this because I think that the players were way worse back then. The players then weren’t nearly as skilled as now, meaning Lebron played much better competition, and has dominated it for so long. Jordan also needed Scottie Pippen to win his championships, while Lebron had much less help. Lebron also is a more all around player because he is a better rebounder, passer, and almost as good at scoring as MJ. Additionally I think that Lebron is a better defensive player, and that MJ’s defense is overrated. Lebron is the much more versatile defender, which is probably the most valuable asset as a defender, at least nowadays. Lastly, Lebron would dominate in Jordan’s era, while Jordan wouldn’t be nearly as dominant in Lebron’s era. The argument that Lebron would get pushed around because he is weak is just wrong. Lebron is much bigger than MJ, so that doesn’t make sense to me. Overall, the GOAT debate will never be solved, but many people still like to argue it. I think that it’s a fun discussion that gets taken too far because there will never be an answer.
Lebron's Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b117a8_jALE
Jordan's Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAr6oAKieHk
https://howtheyplay.com/team-sports/Michael-Jordan-Versus-LeBron-James
Who do you think the GOAT of the NBA is?
Why do you think that he is the GOAT?
Do you think that other players besides MJ and Lebron should be discussed?
Replies
Good topic and super job!!
I think Tacko Fall is the GOAT. Tacko Fall will forever be the best player that hits the court, with a wingspan of 8'4 and a height of 7'6, he is no match for spudd webb. He has never lost a tip off in his basketball carrer beacuse of his sheer athetic ability on and off the court. He not only can dunk but he can do it standing.
I think Bill Russel is the best basketball player of all time since he averaged over 22 rebounds per game with over 21,000 rebounds in his career. Also he has 11 rings which is absolutely insane for any sport and he is also quite possibly the greatest defender of all time.
I think that Bill Russell was a great player for the sport, but he played against terrible competition. He was ahead of his time, but his 11 championships are overrated because he there was a total of like 12 teams.
Shaquille O'Neil is the greatest basketball player of all time. No one has been as dominant as he has. He also has about 4 rings. With his size there was no one to stop him in the NBA. His ability to score in the paint is some of the greatest we have ever seen in the national basketball association.
I disagree with you because jordan is better.
I think that they are really good players and they have both set records but I personally think that Jordan is better than lebron. This is a really hard dissision because they are both great players but I think that Jordan is better.
I agree that they are both great players with good records, but I would have to say Lebron is better.
I think that other players could be discussed because people can be open to anything. I know nothing of these people. But that's okay, because its just not my cup of tea. I mean, I could ask if anyone knew who Bear Bryant was and some may. It all depends on the person
I think that there could be other players discussed, but to me it is really a two person race.
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