LeBron on MJ debate: ‘Our games are different’
Smith reacts to LeBron James' take on the GOAT debate between himself and Michael Jordan. (3:21) As LeBron James approaches the end of his NBA career, he has limited time to bolster his case as basketball's GOAT above Michael Jordan. "There are a lot of things where I would say my game is a lot different and a little better than his, but s—, he was f—ing great. "There are a lot of things that MJ did better than I do," James said, "and I think there are some things that I do better than him.
His determination to win." James called the whole GOAT topic a "very tiring conversation" and "barbershop talk." "You can look at both of us and say that you love both of us without trying to s— on the other person. "When I was younger, I used to have the notion of like, people were getting on me for losing in the Finals, and when I was younger, I used to listen to it," James said. Everybody has to say something about my career: 'Oh, well, he made eight straight Finals, but he was only able to win three.' 'He's the leading scorer in NBA history, but he's played 23 years.' "Yeah, but I am also fastest to 1,000 [points].
Analysis: Why This Matters
Updates around Michael Jordan carry weight: contracts, rosters, and momentum all hinge on stories like this.
Key Takeaways
- "But I know for sure that I've done my part in this journey." James said the former Chicago Bulls guard inspired him when he was growing up in Akron, Ohio.
- "When I was younger, I used to have the notion of like, people were getting on me for losing in the Finals, and when I was younger, I used to listen to it," James said.
- "There are a lot of things that MJ did better than I do," James said, "and I think there are some things that I do better than him.
Expect more reactions from coaches, players, and analysts as the story unfolds.
Source: ESPN Sports