Michael Jordan and LeBron James (Image Credits: Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan are regarded as two of the greatest basketball players ever. Many NBA analysts and players often debate who deserves the title of the greatest player of all time. However, a former NBA player believes that when discussing James, who recently slammed Caitlin Clark haters, as the greatest player in NBA history, fans only bring up Jordan’s name.

During a recent appearance on the “Above the Rim with DH 12” podcast, Gilbert Arenas joined Dwight Howard for an unfiltered conversation about basketball and life. The former NBA player also discussed who the actual GOAT of basketball is.

“They will never bring up Michael Jordan because he’s not real today. He’s real like we know who he is but the only people who bring him up is when LeBron James’ name gets mentioned. That’s the only reason Michael Jordan’s relevant. They’re combating the stats… Once LeBron James is solidified ‘you are the GOAT’, Jordan swindles. That’s why people are like yo ‘why nobody talk about Kobe being a GOAT?’ Because he got surpassed already. There’s no point of talking about number three, it’s only one and two now” Arenas said.

The former NBA player mentioned that no one talks about the legendary player Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020, as the GOAT player. According to Arenas, people believe that Bryant comes after James and Jordan.

A Comparison of the Careers of Michael Jordan and LeBron James

Jordan and James have done enough to be considered basketball greats in the history of the NBA. The Lakers star will play his 22nd NBA season in two months. During his professional career, the 39-year-old achieved several milestones, including four NBA championships, 3 Olympic gold medals, 4 MVP titles, four finals MVP awards, and appeared in the NBA All-Star game 20 times. Additionally, James is the all-time points leader.

On the other hand, Jordan had a remarkable 15-season NBA career, during which he achieved several achievements. He won 6 NBA championships, was named MVP 5 times, earned six finals MVP awards, and appeared in the NBA All-Star game 14 times. Additionally, the Bulls legend played a crucial role in popularizing basketball and the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s.

Jordan played for 15 seasons before retiring in 2003, but James, who was recently named the 2024 Paris Olympics MVP, is still competing to add more honors to his collection.