“Lebron James Isn’t Even at Kobe’s or Stephen Curry’s Level”: Michael Jordan’s Goat Status Approved by Old NBA Fans

The GOAT debate is something that will live on in sports. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James are the most common players discussed in the GOAT debate. The game has drastically changed in the last 6 years itself. Every team wants great long-distance shooters on their roster.

Though this is just one of the many ways to explain how the game has changed its course. Players adapt to the game that is most common in their era. LeBron James has somewhat tasted the old game or the game that evolved from the 90s. But, almost 20 years later into his career, dominating in 3 different decades, is he not to be included in the GOAT discussion?

LeBron played in a transition period, unlike Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan had an impact not only on basketball but in sports worldwide in the 90s. His strong popularity and fame made him a household name. He won 6 championships in the 6 full seasons he played in that decade. Old NBA fans know exactly how big Jordan’s impact was and his threat to every team in the league.

Recently, NBA Twitter put LeBron James out of the GOAT debate, not considering him to be on a certain level.

LeBron isn’t even at Kobe or probably Steph Curry’s level. He ain’t even in MJ’s universe.

— ClassicSportsvids (@classicsports84) April 20, 2022

MJ brought folks together. LB divides.

— Archimedes (@archimedesDawg) April 20, 2022

Sorry, you can’t compare the Jordan era to lebrons era. Jordan played during an aggressive time where he could get elbowed in the mouth with no foul, spit out some blood, get back in there and shoot a 3 over the guys head after. If someone breathe in James direction…1/

— Mike Fessman (@mikey_fess) April 20, 2022

not better than Jordan, not better than Kobe, not better than Russelll…might even throw Magic & KAJ ahead… LBJ benefits from playing during the media&tech craze era-can you imagine if those guys(other than Kobe) played with endless social media & internet promotion??? yikes

— Chris Beacom (@cbeacs71) April 20, 2022

It’s impossible (IMO) to compare players from different eras. The game and the competition has changed.

— RW (@Rebob72) April 20, 2022

Lebron is a complete player but Jordan was pure magic.

— D – R a v e n . (@XRDSNexusWolf) April 20, 2022

Lebron is a better passer, rebounder, perimeter shooter, and can guard more positions. Oh, and he’s 2 in taller and 50lbs heavier.

— Mustang Hoops (@CoachSovern40) April 20, 2022

But if we zoom in on LeBron’s career, he started as a shooting guard for the Cavs, went on to play every position apart from the center, and did not quit after 2016. What’s interesting about the years 2015 and 2016 is that’s when the ball was shot the most beyond the arc. Stephen Curry’s record of 402 threes in a single season had NBA fans amazed. Players like Ray Allen and Reggie Miller were great 3-point shooters, but not as consistent as Curry.

Dec 28, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center | Credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

This really changed the game as watching great players dominate in their style, it is natural for young players to develop the same style themselves. LeBron had to get used to the new game, and he did it pretty well. Though Jordan and Bryant’s game was quite similar, as both the players were masters at their craft. But this transition period plays a role, for it completely changed the game and competition.

LeBron failed to make the playoffs for a couple of seasons

After LeBron’s arrival in LA, the team did not make the playoffs the first year. The following season, the Lakers won the championship. Seeing LeBron’s success in LA, fans expected even more from the King. Unfortunately, the next 2 seasons didn’t go as expected.

READ MORE: Michael Jordan Spent a Whopping $61.5 Million Of His Net Worth On This Beast

In the 2020-21 season, the Lakers lost to the Suns in the first round and recently they were officially eliminated from playoff contention. This had an enormous impact on LeBron’s career as fans and critics poured in their takes. This was one reason why fans around the league would want LeBron out of the GOAT debate.

WATCH THIS STORY: “Rap God” Eminem Insulted Michael Jordan To His Face But the “NBA GOAT” Was No Machine Gun Kelly

When it comes to the GOAT discussion, different eras do come into play, as competition level changes. Do you think LeBron should be included in the GOAT debate? Do let us know in the comments.

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