Since being drafted in 2003, LeBron James has undeniably made a profound impact on the NBA and has become an icon in his own right. However, in 2013, the NBA world was captivated when LeBron James, a basketball icon in his own right, named another legend as the greatest player of all time.
LeBron James’ journey in the NBA is nothing short of extraordinary. But even with four NBA championships (and counting) and countless other honors, he was adamant to name Micheal Jordan as the NBA’s best player of all time.
LeBron James’ past pick for best player
During an interview with Fox Sports, shortly after winning his second championship in 2023 with the Miami Heat, James was asked to list his top three players in history. His response was not a simple one.
LeBron deliberated before finally answering, “Best three players of all time? Michael Jordan…Wow, this is tough. Dr. J. (Julius Erving), Larry Bird. You give me three. I was like, oh my god…Can I get four? I got Magic fourth.” It was evident that Michael Jordan stood out as the clear choice for LeBron, as he repeated his name three times before moving on.
LeBron’s admiration for Jordan is no secret, but he also honored Julius Erving, popularly known as Dr. J. Growing up, LeBron was captivated by Erving’s flashy style of play, and he became a source of inspiration for many young players of that era.
Completing his shortlist, LeBron included Larry Bird, the legendary Celtics player. James expressed the difficulty of narrowing down his choices to just three players, slipping in Magic Johnson’s name at the end. Given the abundance of incredible NBA legends throughout history, it is understandable that selecting only three was a challenging task.
But with time passing and LeBron’s own accomplishments mounting, it raises the question: Would he still select the same three players today? Given how LeBron proclaimed himself the greatest basketball player of all time, it’s intriguing to think he might even find a place for himself among the all-time greats. Only LeBron knows for sure.
Giannis Antetokounmpo declares LeBron as GOAT over Jordan
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star forward of the Milwaukee Bucks, made headlines when he declared LeBron James as the greatest player of all time (GOAT) over basketball legend Michael Jordan. In an interview with Joe Vardon, Antetokounmpo confidently stated, “Some guys might say he is No. 2, but other guys like me, I say he is No. 1, and he’s still going.”
Antetokounmpo is not alone in his opinion. Many young players from the current generation, including Jaren Jackson Jr., admire James for his consistent dominance throughout his career. Last season, LeBron James showcased his exceptional skills by averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game for the Los Angeles Lakers.
While there may be doubts about whether James can still be the number-one option on a championship-winning team, there is no denying his impact. He continues to be a vital asset and a key contributor to any title-contending squad. Furthermore, LeBron James has proven himself to be an exceptional ambassador for the league. With no off-court scandals, he consistently promotes the game of basketball and pushes it forward.
Antetokounmpo further praised James in his interview with Vardon, emphasizing that James is setting the blueprint for the modern NBA player. Undeniably, James’s greatness extends beyond his on-court skills as he serves as a role model and an inspiration for the next generation of players, carrying the torch for the NBA with grace and integrity.
