LeBron James Explained How He Can Pass Michael Jordan in GOAT Debate

Throughout his decorated career, LeBron James has often drawn comparisons to Michael Jordan. In fact, the Akron native was anointed “The Choose One” on the cover of Sports Illustrated when he was in high school in 2002.

More than two decades later, James has more than lived up to the hype, putting together perhaps the most remarkable basketball resume ever.

The legendary small forward’s success has catapulted the GOAT debate to new heights of interest, and LeBron, at age 40, will soon become the first player to compete in his 23rd NBA season.

James and Jordan’s legacies will always be intricately linked as both have been the faces of multiple basketball generations.

LeBron has famously talked about how he’s been chasing MJ’s “ghost” for the majority of his career. But more importantly, James once detailed what he specifically needed to sway public opinion in his favor.

These comments explain what still drives the L.A. Lakers superstar to continue to play at this level, despite having achieved it all in the sport.

LeBron James detailed how to sway public opinion on the GOAT debate

In a 2017 interview with GQ, James broke down what specifically he needs to do to convince the broader public that he is the GOAT. Looking back on these comments, LeBron has done exactly that, but his quest for the consensus still continues.

LeBron James continues to reach uncharted territory, gaining more believers in the process

There are certainly more people who have warmed up to the idea that LeBron James is the greatest player of all time. The Lakers forward has reached several unprecedented milestones since 2017.

James is the only player to win Finals MVP with three separate franchises and the only player to be top 5 all-time in points, top 10 assists, and top 10 in steals.

And one of LeBron’s career crowning moments was breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s regular-season scoring record. This 38,387-point record was long seen as one of the most unbreakable milestones in sports, and LeBron broke it more than two years ago.

Now, James is the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 career points, and if we include postseason scoring, he has already passed the 50,000 mark as well.

Even though LeBron has been a top player in the league for more time than any other athlete, Michael Jordan still has a general hold over this debate.

James now enters his 23rd year and will actually miss opening night due to sciatica on his right side. The Lakers forward is expected to miss three to four weeks, which is not too long, and this is crucial for a squad that is so top-heavy.

LeBron and Luka Doncic make up one of the best duos in the league, but both will have to play at an All-NBA level for this team to contend in the Western Conference.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be the favorites after a 68-win season and their first-ever Larry O’Brien trophy. The defending champs are uniquely young, which is why even in this era of second apron, they have a chance to be the NBA’s next dynasty.

Meanwhile, the Thunder have plenty of threats to a title repeat, particularly in the Western Conference. The two headliners are the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets, but the Minnesota Timberwolves are the only team in the West to play in the last two conference finals.

Veteran-laden squads like the Golden State Warriors and Lakers, however, are still clinging to hope that they have contending squads. If LeBron can continue to prolong Father Time this season, Los Angeles will once again find themselves in a good position come playoff time.