If LeBron James continues to strive for excellence and rings after 17 seasons in the league, it is in large part to build the strongest possible case in the GOAT debate. But for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the problem was quickly resolved.
The eternal debate of the greatest player of all time has tended, in recent years, to focus on a duel between LeBron James to Michael Jordan. The King has not been hiding it for several years: he is pursuing “a ghost”, MJ, in order to supplant her and become the GOAT in the eyes of the greatest number.
However, according to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, himself considered the best all-time by many observers and former players, LeBron is not even in the discussion. And to tell the truth, neither does Michael Jordan!
At least that’s what the iconic pivot explained a few years ago, when asked about LeBron James’ aspirations to become the GOAT:
LeBron James was talking the other time about how he’s the greatest in history, but he’s never seen Wilt Chamberlain play. When he turns 50 points per game, I’ll listen to what he says.
I’m not trying to criticize LeBron. He’s awesome and the best player of his time. But he didn’t see Bill Russell play. When his team wins 8 NBA titles in a row, maybe I’ll compare him to Bill Russell.
Abdul-Jabbar therefore sees things from a very pragmatic and statistical side. In response, King fans will argue that it was much easier to score 50 points per game or win 8 titles in a row back then, in an NBA with few teams and a much lower overall level …
Moreover, KAJ is one of those, increasingly rare, who consider that the debate is played out between the two monsters of the “prehistoric” era of the league. A self-respecting choice, but which is more and more isolated, especially in view of the arguments cited in the paragraph above.
This advice from Kareem does not prevent him and the King from vowing a deep mutual respect, and no doubt that LeBron will see in these words an additional motivation to seek other awards and rings.
Old school, Abdul-Jabbar calms the ardor of LeBron and co: the GOATs are the 2 old ones. An opinion which is obviously debated.
