Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has reopened the proverbial can of worms regarding the NBA’s GOAT debate during an electric first round of the playoffs.
After making some bold claims, the 41-year-old Los Angeles Lakers superstar has opened that can of worms again. But a lot of people, including Stephen A. Smith, took exception to his words.
The LeBron James and Michael Jordan Debate Lives On
In the midst of a first-round series against the Houston Rockets with his top two scorers out for the first five games, James has put on a masterclass to take control of the series. But as the conversation shifted back to the debate, even the four-time MVP admitted he was tired of the same arguments.
“I think it’s a very tiring conversation. It’s barbershop talk. You can look at both of us and say that you love both of us without trying to sh*t on the other person. And usually, it’s sh*ting on me… but I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23.”
For some, it was the ultimate nuanced take, as he tried to give his props to Jordan without taking on any flack on himself. As a result, some simply commended him. Comments like, “well said goat,” Â and “I respect this” were commonplace across social media.
Some of the biggest skeptics of the four-time NBA champion weren’t too thrilled with his comments. Skip Bayless entered the fray again, but with at least some credence to James.
“To ESPN, LeBron has tried to make his GOAT case while voicing strong respect for Jordan. I respect that. But the harder you look at LeBron’s playoff performances, the more laughable his GOAT case gets. 2010. ‘11. ‘13 G6. ‘14. ‘15 G4. ‘18 G1. LA post Bubble … on and on …”
He wasn’t the only one, though. His former co-host and the voice of ESPN was the loudest in his disapproval of James’ comments. On the latest episode of “First Take,” he ripped into the all-time league leader in points.
“That is where the problem lies. What we don’t talk about enough is as great as LeBron James is, and how much he deserves to be celebrated, we don’t talk about what he has done to hurt, not the game, but narratives associated with the game because of how he responds to it.”
Believing that the narratives have been a part of basketball discourse since time immemorial, he added, “If your name is in the conversation it’s because you’re an all time great! But when it comes to LeBron James, oh no. You’re pooping on the player. You’re dogging them. It’s the negativity.”
Most people have already made up their minds on where they stand in this debate. James’ comments will only fuel the fire and open the door for more intense discussions moving forward.
