LeBron James backs himself over Michael Jordan in NBA GOAT debate
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has declared he would choose himself over any other player in the ongoing debate surrounding the greatest basketball player of all time.
The veteran star discussed his legacy and the inevitable comparisons with Michael Jordan during a wide-ranging interview with Time magazine published on Monday.
“I’m not taking nobody over me,” he stated emphatically.
Drafting the ultimate player
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer acknowledged that other legendary figures would likely hold the exact same self-belief regarding their own status.
“Rest his soul, Kobe will say the same thing. Magic will say the same thing. Bird will say the same thing,” he said.
“If there’s a general manager and he’s eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it’s gonna be hard not to take me, champ.”
Influence across different eras
When questioned about his cultural impact compared to the Chicago Bulls icon, the four-time league MVP offered a remarkably grounded perspective.
“You ask somebody that grew up in the Jordan era, they’re gonna say Jordan,” he explained.
“You ask somebody who grew up in the LeBron era … they’re still gonna say Jordan.”
Despite that candid admission, the four-time NBA champion remains completely confident in the unique, historic journey he has carved out over two decades.
Looming retirement decision
The 22-time All-Star could be approaching the final months of his unparalleled professional career as he prepares to enter unrestricted free agency this summer.
He remains undecided on whether to retire or return for an unprecedented 24th season, potentially remaining in California or seeking a new franchise.
“When I’m not in love with getting to the arenas on game days five hours before to start my preparation… then I know I’ll be done,” he revealed.
Should he finally decide to walk away, the basketball icon will leave having played more games, secured more victories, and taken more shots than anyone else in league history.