While legends like Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Chamberlain have each defined their own eras in the NBA, it was Michael Jordan’s emergence that truly ignited the debate over the GOAT. As the years went on, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James fueled this ongoing discussion, sparking widespread conversation. Recently, boxing legend Mike Tyson entered the fray, making his opinion on this storied debate unmistakably clear.
Mike Tyson was a guest on Shaquille O’Neal‘s ‘The Big Podcast.’ There, the NBA legend asked him who he considered to be the best player in the history of the league. Without hesitation, Tyson answered, “I’m a Jordan guy.” In an era when the top scorers often lacked impact as playmakers, Michael Jordan distinguished himself by impacting both facets of the game. He turned the Chicago Bulls into one of the most dominant teams in history.
During his illustrious 15-year NBA career, Michael Jordan played in 1,072 games, with 930 of those as a key player for the Chicago Bulls. He consistently delivered on the court, averaging 30.1 points per game, alongside 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists. His exceptional performance led to a remarkable 10 scoring titles, six NBA championships, and five MVP awards, setting a new standard for players of his era.
While Tyson decided not to pick him, LeBron James has proven to be a top contender in the GOAT debate. Approaching 23 years in his professional career, the Lakers veteran has become the highest-scoring player in league history with 42,184 points, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Additionally, he has claimed four NBA championships and four MVP awards.
Moreover, LeBron James has played in 1,562 career games, consistently averaging 27 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. His stats highlight his immense impact across all facets of the game. Remarkably, at 40 years old, he remains a vital component of the Los Angeles Lakers, continuing to seek his fifth championship to further cement his legacy in this era.
For many fans, the debate about the NBA’s greatest player of all time makes no sense. This discussion often overlooks legendary figures who left indelible marks on the game long before Michael Jordan’s era. Additionally, since the Bulls’ legend never faced off against LeBron James in the same era, determining who might have been the more dominant player remains speculative. As a result, this debate could continue to rage over the years.