The NBA’s GOAT debate has sparked intense discussion in recent years, with Michael Jordan and LeBron James leading the conversation as the top contenders. Occasionally, Kobe Bryant is included in the mix as well. This time, Detroit Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer has weighed in on the debate, and his response was unambiguous.
While some former and current NBA players take their time when asked about the greatest of all time, Laimbeer did not hesitate to offer his opinion on who he believes holds the title.
Having played in the 1980s, Laimbeer faced off against some of the game’s most iconic players, including Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan. Despite this, his answer stands out from those of his contemporaries.
In a 2020 interview with ESPN’s FirstTake, Laimbeer confidently named LeBron James as the GOAT. “I’m very local, and I think LeBron is the best player that’s ever played the game. He’s 6 foot 8, 285 pounds, runs like the wind, and jumps out of the gym,“ Laimbeer said.
The reason behind Laimbeer’s choice
Despite James’ impressive titles and record-breaking achievements, Laimbeer chose to highlight something even more significant, something he believes Jordan never accomplished in his career. Pistons‘s legend pointed to the fact that LeBron has maintained consistency from day one and has been a true leader for the Lakers.
“When he came into the league, from Day 1, he knew how to involve his teammates to win,” Laimbeer said of James. “That’s something Jordan had to learn over a long period of time.”
Laimbeer further emphasized, “I believe LeBron would be performing at this level in any generation. At the end of the day, I firmly believe he’s the best basketball player in the history of the game.”
Laimbeer’s contributions to the Pistons
As a key figure in the Pistons’ quest for titles in the late 1980s, Laimbeer was instrumental in the franchise’s success. He played a pivotal role in the Pistons’ victories over two of the toughest teams of that era: the Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan, and the Los Angeles Lakers featuring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson.
In both championship seasons, Detroit had to overcome the Bulls to reach the Finals. In 1989, the Pistons triumphed over Chicago 4-3 in the series, with Laimbeer contributing 46 points, 44 rebounds, and 17 assists. In 1990, he posted 63 points, 50 rebounds, and four assists against the Lakers, to reach the Finals against the Trail Blazers.
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