The Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been a leading figure in his 20th season in the NBA. His team has come a long way from the bottom half of the table to the seventh seed to qualify for the playoffs. When all hope was lost, the front office decided to bring new changes to the team. These changes brought quality players around him, which in turn helped the team to rise up from the ashes. And today, the team is finally competing in the playoff against the table toppers Memphis Grizzlies.
The Lakers team, before the trade deadline, depended heavily on the likes of Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Before the new players paved their way, it was those two superstars who were working very hard to keep the Lakers above water. However, this caused two major burnouts, wear and tear during the process. And LeBron is already playing his 20th season at 38. He cannot push like he used to in his younger years. But after the trade deadline, he has been more relaxed and played according to the team’s requirements. While he is at more ease now, where does it put him next to his GOAT rival Michael Jordan?
LeBron James Voted Less Than Michael Jordan
It is incredible to see that what MJ has done for the sport is still recognized two decades later. And the basketball legend is still relevant and resonates with such humongous popularity. The Athletic conducted an anonymous survey of 103 NBA players, and the results bend towards the six-time champion in six years. LeBron James only had 33 percent votes, while MJ got a massive 58.3 percent votes to make him the GOAT. And it is evident that players who are in the NBA currently were grown in the 2000s watching Michael Jordan.
There are various criteria at play for various people, but one that stands out is his 6-6 finals. For a lot of people winning is the only thing that counts, and MJ proved to do the same over the span of his career. Meanwhile, LeBron James has also been a massive success but failed to put six rings in his hands. Up until now, this could be the only major factor differentiating them, but MJ’s iconic status is also something LeBron can not shake.
GOAT Debate Is Unfair, According To MJ
There is no doubt that the debate is highly unfair as it disregards the fact there have been many players who did not play together. MJ admitted in an interview in on 14 Oct 2020, saying, “I never played against Wilt Chamberlain. I never played against Jerry West. To now say that one’s greater than the other is being a little bit unfair.”
Meanwhile, LeBron James could be on to the fifth ring of his career in his 20th season. If he manages to win the title, it will be a significant success that will reflect his legacy. But the road is still hard and long. They play their next game of the series against the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
