LeBron James is in the process of deciding whether to retire or return for a record 24th NBA season. He showed that he can still play at a high level this season and will have a strong free-agent market if he decides to continue playing.
The fact that James is still considered an All-Star-caliber player at age-41 is just one reason why fellow multi-time NBA MVP Steve Nash recently made a bold declaration regarding James’ career.
Steve Nash Believes LeBron James Has Had the Greatest NBA Career Of All-Time
Nash, who is James’ co-host on the “Mind the Game” podcast, praised the Los Angeles Lakers star while speaking to TIME Magazine. James was honored by the magazine as the “athlete of the century” and the cover athlete for their ranking of the top 100 most influential people in sports.
“He’s had the greatest career in NBA history,” Nash said. “You combine his peak and his longevity and there’s nobody that comes close.”
James has re-written the NBA record books, notably becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer and establishing a new record for All-Star selections with 22. James has also been selected to an All-NBA team 21 times, which seems like a potentially unbreakable record, especially with the new games-played threshold as a requirement to earn a selection.
Nash believes that James’ longevity and peak have allowed him to surpass his legendary peers, as he went to eight straight NBA Finals at one point and he is a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Finals MVP.
LeBron James wrote the blueprint for exceeding expectations.
Here’s how our first-ever TIME100 Sports cover star redefined the modern athlete: https://t.co/VjIOkChMBM pic.twitter.com/0PCKJSeFMH
— TIME (@TIME) June 9, 2026
However, James’ 4-6 record in the NBA Finals is something critics point out while arguing against Nash’s opinion. The debate between James and fellow NBA legend Michael Jordan will continue long after James retires.
Critics often argue that Jordan had a better career because he won six championships and never lost in an NBA Finals series. While James was considered an elite defender in his prime, Jordan has more All-Defensive First Team selections and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 1988, an award James hasn’t won. Jordan also has more MVP awards and scoring titles than James.
Others may cite the late Bill Russell in the argument for greatest career in NBA history. After all, Russell won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics, and also famously served as the team’s head coach during his final two championship-winning seasons. He is also a five-time MVP award winner.
While Jordan, Russell, and other legends were able to make history, Nash believes James should be ranked above them for his willingness to continue pushing the limits of his body despite entering his 40s. James will have the opportunity to strengthen his case as the NBA GOAT if he elects to return next season.
