Opinions vary widely when it comes to the Michael Jordan–LeBron James GOAT debate. Some say people cannot compare the two because they played in two completely different eras. Others might point to NBA Finals records, longevity, and impact on the game.
Isiah Thomas Explains Why LeBron James is Better Than Michael Jordan
Isiah Thomas made his feelings clear on the subject, putting James ahead of Jordan in the long-time debate. Thomas appeared on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” on Jan. 8. He gave a straightforward answer to the big question.
Isiah doesn’t understand how people call MJ the GOAT when players like KD and Steph exist, and LeBron holds almost every major record.
“When you say who’s the greatest, y’all talk about the guy who gave yall some shoes and warmups”
(h/t @HeatCulture13)
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 8, 2026
“Our era is considered to be the golden era. This is what I don’t understand about [today’s] era … You guys are playing with arguably the greatest player to ever play, and y’all treat him like he ain’t nothing,” Thomas said confidently. The Hall-of-Fame point guard accused today’s players of not giving James and today’s era enough credit. Thomas believes that too many people “hype up” his era, saying Jordan is the greatest. He points to all the accolades James holds to back up his claim.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar owns the NBA all-time scoring record with 42,575 points, while Jordan ranks sixth at 32,292. James also contributes more across the stat sheet, ranking first in combined career points, rebounds, and assists. The 21-time All-Star is fourth all-time with 11,706 career dimes. He is surrounded by great primary point guards on this list, emphasizing his all-around skill set across multiple positions. James’ agent chimed in on this argument earlier in the week.
“If you want to break it down, you can take all 4 positions and name your top 5 [James is] in one of your top 5 in all 5 positions outside of center,” expressed CEO of Klutch Sports Group, Rich Paul. Thomas claims James’ longevity and achievements in this era hold more weight than Jordan’s. “You’re looking at Kevin Durant and Steph Curry, but then when y’all say who’s the greatest, y’all talk about the guy who gave y’all some shoes and warmups.”
MORE: NBA Legend Isiah Thomas Makes Feelings Clear About Stephen Curry
Thomas certainly did not hold back his disdain for Jordan as he finished his argument. Neither player saw eye-to-eye on the court. The battles between the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls in the late 1980s and early 1990s soured Thomas and Jordan’s relationship on the hardwood.
When Thomas was left off the 1992 Olympic roster, Jordan and Scottie Pippen reportedly played a role in this decision. This only added more fuel to the fire. As a result, Thomas certainly has an inherited bias against Jordan on this subject.
