The GOAT conversation has been a never-ending debate for most, but some seem to already have it all figured out. Former player Stephon Marbury seems to have strong feelings about LeBron James and no need to hide them, as he did in a recent appearance on Whistle’s New York Minute micro-podcast.
The Former NBA All-Star was asked about the Los Angeles forward and he explained why he doesn’t hold him highly in the best-ever conversation. Through his narrative, he gave detail on why he doesn’t believe LeBron should even be mentioned in the same sentence as Michael Jordan.
“I never seen Jordan or Kobe shoot an airball at the free throw line. Have you?” I’ve seen it. I watched it. If you shoot airballs at the free throw line and then wipe your pants like your hands was wet, stop it. Relax. We from here, we not from there,” said the ex-Knicks player.
“I never seen Jordan or Kobe shoot an airball at the free throw line” – Marbury on why LeBron shouldn’t be compared to MJhttps://t.co/u6pOiqz7J7
— L.B.M. (@Marcusstarr3184) December 9, 2024
While Kobe shot at 83.7% from the foul line, and MJ at 83.7%, the all-time NBA leader in points shoots at 73.6% for his career. It is nobody’s secret that free throws aren’t James’ best attribute, as he’s shot below 70% five times during his 22 years in the league.
“As a basketball player, he’s the most all-around basketball player that’s ever touched the basketball,” Stephon continued. “There’s nobody…Magic was for me was that. But then when I see LeBron and what he’s done, you know on a winning side, as far as playing, taking everything. But as far as a basketball player? He shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan.“
The former athlete kept at it, then explaining why the current Lakers superstar isn’t even the second-best ever, as Bryant would go over him on that list any day. Kobe is a five-time NBA champion who averaged 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.5 steals during his 20-year career.
“When I look at Kobe, I’m like, ‘How is LeBron better than Jordan when he isn’t better than Kobe?’ I’ll be trying to figure that out. I’m like, ‘Why are we really having a basketball conversation?’” Marbury concluded.
Inside the NBA star Charles Barkley recently described the LeBron vs. Jordan debates in media as ‘weak journalism’
Naturally by being a sports broadcaster, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has had to deal with the GOAT conversation during his entire career in front of the microphone. However, he recently admitted that he avoids these debates around LeBron James and Michael Jordan in the media because he feels it’s weak journalism.
He assures that the question will always awaken passionate discussions.”I don’t get into the debate between Michael and LeBron ’cause I think it’s weak journalism when guys on television, radio tryna get fools to call in to argue,” he said “They’re both great. Michael Jordan is the best basketball player I ever played against. These young kids, they played against LeBron.”
The Phoenix Suns legend then mentioned a spicy stat about the Los Angeles star that might turn some heads toward the Bulls icon in this difficult debate. Despite playing less seasons than the all-time NBA leading scorer, MJ still is above James in some aspects.
“As great as LeBron is, he’s still behind Michael Jordan in 30-point games, and he’s played seven more seasons. That is astonishing. Even if you think LeBron’s the G.O.A.T., you wouldn’t have known that,” the 61-year-old shared last week.
