Michael Jordan Once Confessed He’s Not the GOAT and Named a Lakers Legend Instead

Michael Jordan is undisputedly one of the greatest players to ever play the sport of basketball. In the long history of the NBA, there have been many players who have reached unimaginable greatness. But there have not been many players like Michael Jordan. In fact, we can probably count the number of players who can be considered in the same bracket as MJ on the fingers of one hand. 

MJ was a special player and even in his retirement, he is special. One can take inspiration from or can despise his arrogance. Everyone knows how arrogant MJ is and he always has been a persona to get intimidated by. But all that just always made him better.

It was not like MJ never liked or respected anyone. MJ’s mentality just made him drive towards greatness and that meant him asserting his dominance over every possible opponent.

Also read: MJ shows 0 respect for Bulls players before him.

However, MJ once admitted that he was not the greatest of all time.

Michael Jordan admittedly wanted to play against Jerry West

MJ once answered the question if he is the greatest of all time. Surprisingly he said no. And that was within reason as well because he gave the due importance and respect to the player before him.

The statement was, “Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever.”

Jordan replied, “False. ‘Cause I didn’t play against all the great players prior to me and I had those other players to influence my game. I mean that’s, I mean it’s a great honor don’t get me wrong. But I love to had played against Jerry West to determine if I was a better guard than him or Oscar Robertson. But we’ll never know.”

WATCH THIS STORY: 5 MJ moments which would have gone viral if the internet was big in the 90s.

18 Apr 1965, Boston, Massachusetts, USA — Lakers’ Jerry West (C) is guarded closely by Celtics’ Bill Russell (L) as he goes in for a layup, 3rd period, 1st game of championship playoffs of the NBA, Boston Garden (4/18). Celtics’ Willie Naulls is on the right. Celtics won the game, 142-110. — Image by ¬© Bettmann/CORBIS

Jerry West was one of the greatest players in his playing days. He had the nickname Mr Clutch and one can only imagine why that nickname stuck with him. He was a scoring champ and also an assist champ for two different seasons. This simply goes to show how versatile he was. He had all the qualities a great player has. After all, the NBA logo is him running with the ball. Jerry West is iconic for the NBA and truly one of the greatest ever.

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