LeBron James would have become a pro in football if not for injuries. LeBron who has since moved on to a flourishing basketball career, has been involved in an age-long GOAT debate against the retired veteran Michael Jordan. However, fans’ opinion seems to differ in context to knowledge of the game, affiliation, and connection with the athletes.
To make it more encompassing, an actor feels LeBron James is not just an NBA GOAT but the most complete athlete he has ever seen. The actor supported his opinion with some good and obvious reasons which can be argued by fans who feel MJ is the GOAT.
LeBron James is Michael B. Jordan’s “GOAT athlete”
When LeBron James finally retires the sports world will honor the Ohio native for his contributions to sports and acknowledgment of his exceptional talent. Fans absolutely adore the King and actor Michael B. Jordan once declared LeBron James as the greatest athlete of all time (GOAT) in an interview with Complex Sports.
During a press interview for the boxing film “Creed 3” alongside actor Jonathan Majors, Jordan had the freedom to choose any athlete from any sport, and he ultimately selected the Lakers star LeBron James.
“Imma say LeBron James,” Jordan said. “I said it. Been greater for longer. I’m just saying I’m not comparing it to nobody. That’s what I’m saying, I’m not comparing it to nobody … who could have played multiple sports. He could have gone pro.”
Michael B. Jordan expressed that a question like this is inherently challenging due to the unique factors and context involved in each sport. Every sport presents its distinct challenges and trials that athletes must conquer to achieve sought-after glory and success.
Despite the difficulty in choosing, LeBron James emerged as the pick for the actor from “Creed 3.” Jordan highlighted LeBron’s remarkable longevity and the potential that he could have excelled in various other sports. However, given the multitude of exceptional athletes throughout history, any response could be deemed valid. As Michael B. Jordan pointed out, it’s a situation where there is no clear-cut winning answer.
LeBron James once called himself GOAT in NBA
Despite Michael B. Jordan recognizing the ongoing debate about the greatest of all time (GOAT) in sports, he firmly picked LeBron James. In a similar vein, LeBron James also acknowledged the greatness of other basketball legends who played before him. Despite this, the Lakers superstar LeBron confidently chose himself over others during his conversation with Shaquille O’Neal who is a Lakers legend.
While on TNT’s post-game show ‘NBA on TNT’, Shaq asked LeBron James, “Does this now make you the greatest player of all time?”
Lebron James swiftly responded, “I’m gonna take myself against anybody that’s ever played this game. … I always feel like I’m the best to ever play this game.”
This reply from LeBron James followed his surpassing of the Lakers’ legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record which is an extraordinary feat for him, given his numerous accomplishments in his NBA journey. LeBron James achieved this milestone in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, after outscoring the OKC team led by the dynamic young trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams by 38 points to break the scoring record.
