So your opinion of where Lebron ranks as a player is based on not watching the NBA? Seems like valuable insight.
I think anyone that doesn't put Lebron top 3 is just a hater. I don't love everything Lebron, but he's pretty clearly #2 as a player in my eyes.
I feel like the people who criticize the NBA haven't watched it in years. And I feel bad for them because its at or close to peak level right now.
It wouldn't have mattered what Lebron said, you would've complained about him regardless. And who cares about if other NBA greats respect him, most of them are grouchy old "back in my day" guys anyway
Ever since Trump told his MAGA acolytes to hate Lebron, they've had it out for him. When master Trump commands them to do something, they do it faithfully.
I have him firmly at #2 behind MJ. Him breaking the all-time scoring record this season will just solidify that spot.
The contingent who criticizes the NBA usually follow the same cliche takes: "Players are too woke" "Players get paid too much" "Players are too soft" They tend to love 90s basketball and Michael Jordan, mainly because he never took a stance on politics and just "shut up and dribbled" (which that contingent loves for athletes to do) and they hate Lebron because he does the opposite. They are very transparent.
Other than Wilt dunking on a bunch of white boys, Lebron is probably the most dominant physical force the “modern” game has seen, other than maybe Shaq dominating the paint in his prime or what Giannis currently does with his 7’ frame. You have to remember he’s the same size as Karl Malone, in the 90’s it would have been unfathomable to see an NBA sized power forward with those type of overall skills and athleticism. The only question early on was whether he was a choker, he’s had enough moments to get way past that. Still, Jordan was on a different level in his prime - and the bottom line is championships 6>4.
LeBron shooting 20% from 3-point land on the season. Perhaps he should shut up and dribble and work on that horrid jump-shot. Westbrook is shooting better for god’s sake.
Lebron’s shot died years ago. He’s a better driver than Jordan, but Jordan had a much better shot and Lebron isn’t even on the same planet with Jordan when it comes to defense.
I still watch on occasion, but I don’t follow. I couldn’t tell you NBA stats or standings if you paid me. But I know the game well, and I’m not sure that Lebron can even claim to be the best over the last 5-10 years. Stef, KD, and Leonard would be in the argument over those years.
Uhhhhh LeBron is an elite defender and can guard literally any position on the floor. Jordan has the edge, but you're on some exotic stuff if you think they are that far off defensively. Has LBJ's D regressed? Yeah, he is 37 and has also played 400 more games and counting than MJ. MJ was also a career 32% 3pt shooter...LeBron 34% so that isn't really accurate. Over the past ten years? It's LeBron...the past 5, you could throw in KD, Steph, Giannis....but LeBron is 37 right now and still averaging 27/7/7 over those five years with two finals appearances, a title and dealing with a ton of injuries. And TBH, even if you want to say its debatably Steph, Steph curry will be a top 10 guy by the time he retires so that isn't really that a knock.
Jordan shits all over Lebron. Look at the rings. That’s the only metric you need. And beyond that the intangibles are incomparable. MJ is the greatest because you knew he was going to win. When the shot left his fingers you knew it was going in. Nobody (save for MAYBE Gretzky but not even really) has been more clutch in the biggest moments. I’ve also seen Lebron fold like a camp chair. Never saw that with Jordan.
