Magic Johnson is one of the greatest and most unique players in NBA history.
Because of that, he is specifically qualified to speak not only on modern day NBA players, but where guys fall in the all-time rankings.
Recently, Johnson addressed something of a contentious debate in hoops circles: who the true greatest of all time (GOAT) is between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Johnson’s answer was telling.
“Let’s not take anything away from LeBron James because LeBron James is a great basketball player, one of the all-time best players to ever play the game,” he said.
“LeBron James, when you think about an all-around basketball player, he is the best of all time. As an all-around basketball player. But when you say, ‘who’s the greatest ever?’ it’s still Michael Jordan.
“LeBron James’s chapter isn’t closed yet, he still has some basketball to play. Maybe, he has a chance to catch him later on if he can get some more championships under his belt. But until then, at the end of the day, they’re both great and play the game the right way, made their teammates better, and won championships.”
Johnson isn’t the first person to weigh in on this topic.
Damian Lillard has done it. “Dr. J” has done it. Allen Iverson has done it. Floyd Mayweather has done it. Heck, not too long ago, former President Donald Trump did it as well.
Obviously it’s hard to come to a consensus, but the vast majority of people still lean in Jordan’s direction when it comes to this debate.
Now that’s a vacation. https://t.co/btOfaqqqp1
— Game 7 (@game7__) August 7, 2022
Will that change by the time James retires?
Time will tell.
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Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
