Why LeBron James Doesn’t Belong in GOAT Debate With Michael Jordan
According to a former NBA player who faced Michael Jordan, LeBron James doesn't even belong in the GOAT debate.
When it comes to the greatest basketball players of all-time, it’s hard to argue against LeBron James being on a short list of the elite players in NBA history. Many people place King James at the top of that list, while others contend that the greatest of all time spot belongs to Chicago Bulls legend Michael “Air” Jordan, who won six championships during his superstar career. A debate has continued to rage about LeBron versus MJ, with many suggesting that the Los Angeles Lakers star took over the top spot due to his record-breaking achievements and impressive longevity in the game.
However, Jordan was just built differently, rarely making mistakes in critical game situations, and, if he somehow did, he found a way to make up for it by taking over and impressively winning the game. More news: Darryn Peterson Draws Bold Comparison For NBA Potential LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto. com Arena on May 11, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.
(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) While appearing on “The Breakfast Club,” Knicks legend John Starks summarized things perfectly. While he thinks LeBron is great, he witnessed Jordan’s abilities up close and would give him the edge as the greatest of all time. He also revealed who he would put in the two-player debate instead of LeBron.
“You had questions about [LeBron], you never had a question about Jordan. If anybody should be considered, it’s Kareem and Jordan; that should be the 2 Goat questions. You never had a question about Mike, nothing I can’t think of, nothing, he just made play after play down the stretch.