It’s the NBA debate version of “The Song That Never Ends”, and LeBron James has had just about enough of it. Maybe it’s because he’s one win away from his 7th straight trip to the Finals. Maybe it’s because these NBA playoffs have been so boring and lopsided leading up to Cleveland’s inevitable rematch against the Warriors that there’s nothing else to talk about. Whatever the reason, the “is LeBron better than Michael Jordan?” debate is raging on Twitter, talk shows and social media right now.
During the Cavaliers morning shootaround in Boston on Thursday, James was asked if passing MJ on the all-time playoff scoring list (he needs just 28 points coming into tonight’s Game 5) would factor into his whole “chasing the ghost” thing. LeBron said no.
“Nah. It’s just a personal goal of mine. It has nothing to do with passing him in rings, passing him in points, passing him in MVPs, it’s just my personal goal to keep me motivated.” – LeBron James
Room For All?
LeBron went on to say he finds it odd that this kind of “greatest ever” debate is unique to the NBA, while fans and analysts of other sports tend to admire the greats collectively.
“It’s so funny that the conversation is always talked about in the NBA about who’s the greatest, but it’s never talked about in the NFL. Who’s the greatest quarterback? It’s just like, ‘Marino, Elway, Manning, Brady. All great quarterbacks.’ It should be the same for us.” – LeBron James
First of all, how is Joe Montana not on LeBron’s list of quarterbacks? Second, my astonishment at his exclusion of Montana in that list contradicts the point LeBron is trying to make. Of course the “greatest ever” debate is not unique to NBA players. It exists in every major professional sport.
James did admit to seeing the entertainment appeal of such debates for sports fans, but insisted he’s focused on building his legacy without comparing it to anyone (MJ) else’s.
“Always trying to compare people, either living or still playing or not playing, I think it’s great for barbershops. But for me, I’m just trying to put my mark on the game and leave a legacy behind so I can inspire the next group of kids that want to play the right way.” – LeBron James
It’s interesting that less than a year after saying his pursuit of Jordan’s ghost is what motivates him, James is shrugging off a milestone that some would argue moves another check mark next to his name on the comparison sheet. Maybe he’s just sick of the debate, because it’s all NBA fans seem to be capable of discussing these days.
LeBron's thoughts on his chasing MJ's ghost comment from last year: https://t.co/t39a3K4gz8
— Matt Peck (@Bulls_Peck) May 25, 2017
Let’s Wait
From this author’s point of view, the debate can’t be had until LeBron’s career is over. At this very moment, Jordan is still the greatest NBA player ever. But James could still be playing eight, even ten years from now.
So let’s talk then. In the meantime, let James focus on closing out the Celtics and giving all of us NBA fans what we’ve been impatiently waiting for: Cavs Vs Warriors Part III. A chance for LeBron to add to his legacy, or a chance for the Warriors to prevent him from inching closer to MJ in that future debate. After a very predictable NBA season, let’s all just enjoy the finale and talk about GOATs later.
