The debate on who the greatest NBA player of all time is gets interesting day by day. Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James has become a matter of discussion for many basketball experts and punters who bet on basketball with varying opinions being shared.
Allen Iverson, a league legend, has also weighed in on the matter. Popularly known as AI, Iverson is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and an eleven-time NBA All-Star.
AI believes the superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James is the best player in professional basketball history. Iverson stated that he was a big fan of Jordan, but still sees King James as “the one”.
Iverson is in a better position to make the call between the two. The decision of who the GOAT is between King James and Michael Jordan is difficult since both players are regarded globally as the most outstanding players to grace the NBA.
Iverson played against the two in his illustrious career that lasted 17 years; hence knows them better. He played against Jordan between 1997 and 2003 13 times and managed six wins. Later in his career, he played against LeBron James 18 times and has a 10-8 record.
From his experience playing the two, Iverson has tipped James to end his career as the Greatest Of All Time.
Another NBA icon, Magic Johnson, echoed his sentiments. In his view, Magic, a former Los Angeles Lakers point guard, reiterated that King James will almost certainly be the greatest player to ever play in the NBA.
However, Magic believes that King James needs to win a few more championships to take the NBA GOAT title. Magic Johnson suggested LeBron James had some work to do before catching up with Michael Jordan and eclipse him.
James is currently in his 17th year in the NBA, and Magic believes he is playing as well as he has ever played in his entire career. After overcoming the Denver Nuggets 117- 107 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, James is headed to his ninth NBA Finals in ten seasons.
They will face off in the Finals with the Miami Heat after overcoming the Bolton Celtics. As the debate continues, some, who are strictly Team Michael Jordan, believe the discussion is as good as over.
By stating there is no comparison between the two, they choose to ignore King James’ achievements. James is currently playing in his third franchise, and if he wins the championship this year, he will have brought rings to all the teams he has played for.
That achievement shows how dynamic James is and his capability to flourish in multiple playing systems under varying circumstances.
Another achievement that cannot go unnoticed is the longevity of his greatness. His fitness level is admired by many players, with only soccer superstar Christiano Ronaldo being able to match his fitness at that age.
The bottom line is, the debate is not about to end soon. On paper, many would go for Michael Jordan, but if you’ve seen James on the court, you will give him a chance also.
How King James performs in the years remaining in his career will most likely settle this debate once and for all.
