As LeBron James inches closer to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA all-time scoring record, the debate over the greatest player in NBA history has resurfaced. While James confidently declares himself as the best basketball player of all time, many argue that his recent climb up the all-time scoring charts does not automatically make him the greatest.
One argument that works in James’ favor when compared to Michael Jordan and other players in the conversation is his longevity. Despite turning 39 during the current regular season, James continues to play at an elite level and has earned his 18th and 19th All-Star nods in the past two seasons. He is considered one of the greatest all-around players in NBA history, having achieved the soon-to-be all-time scoring record, as well as the fourth-most assists in history.
Jordan, on the other hand, is known for his prime career during the 1990s, where he led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships. Jordan won 10 scoring titles, five league MVPs, and six Finals MVPs, all of which are more than James has achieved. Jordan also spent 13 of his 15 seasons with the Bulls, while James has played for multiple teams throughout his career.
Critics of James have pointed to his tendency to move from team to team, sometimes causing organizations to scramble to find superstars to pair him with. They argue that Jordan, on the other hand, had the Bulls build a superstar core from the start, similar to the modern-day Golden State Warriors. However, James’ supporters argue that Jordan had the benefit of a well-constructed team, courtesy of then-general manager Jerry Krause.
While the debate between James and Jordan, and other all-time greats, could go on for days, it’s clear that James’ confidence in his abilities is unshakeable. As he said himself, “Y’all never seen anybody like me.”
Adding to this conversation, there are several other players who can be considered among the greatest of all time. One such player is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose all-time scoring record James is soon to break. Abdul-Jabbar is a six-time NBA champion, six-time league MVP, and a 19-time All-Star. He also holds the record for the most points scored in NBA history.
Another player who is often mentioned in the greatest-of-all-time debate is Kobe Bryant. Bryant won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was an 18-time All-Star. He also won the league MVP award in 2008 and was a four-time All-Star Game MVP.
Wilt Chamberlain is also considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He holds several records, including the most points scored in a single game (100) and the most rebounds in a single season (2,149). Chamberlain won two NBA championships and was a four-time league MVP.
Other notable players who have contributed to the NBA’s rich history include Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Durant.
In conclusion, the debate over who the greatest basketball player of all time is will continue to rage on, with different people having different opinions. While LeBron James has made a strong case for himself, there are several other players who can be considered among the greatest of all time. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide who they believe is the GOAT.
