I have had to take a day or two before responding due to the pain of having to defend MJ over LBJ as the GOAT. With respect to LBJ and his achievements, MJ’s defensive play alone qualifies him for the title (although I can only reach back in time as far as Dr. J). Have the Laker’s announcers or Mike Breen yelled “Unleash the Dobermans” for a LBJ defensive stand (not just one block I will not mention) or even, “OH, my goodness, they poked the bear!” after the opposing team scored?
This is only a debate for sportswriters who need a topic to fill up their columns. Some people think Trump is GOAT of the presidency. Congrats and all due respect to Lebron. Now, let's get working on either signing AD or Howard for next season.
It's hard for me to believe that Laker team won. Clearly rebounding and defense matters. James practically willed himself every available rebound. And Davis' ability to guard the perimeter is a big monkey wrench in P+R schemes.
But wait til they face a team with perimeter shooting.
LeBron will never be GOAT, in my opinion. But that is mostly because I don't like him. The quote you referenced is excellent. If he had won 4 championships in Miami, then he'd have a claim now. I hope that he never gets another championship ring, though.
I think it is extremely rare that the concept of a GOAT is valid - not to say never but I don't think it's valid in NBA basketball. Y'all know the reasons: different eras, several candidates that seem undeniably "the best," all that. I saw Wilt, Kareem, MJ, and of course LBJ. I'd happily start an all time team with any one of 'em.
LeBron, Lakers emerge victorious from the Bubble, reawakening the GOAT debate
I have had to take a day or two before responding due to the pain of having to defend MJ over LBJ as the GOAT. With respect to LBJ and his achievements, MJ’s defensive play alone qualifies him for the title (although I can only reach back in time as far as Dr. J). Have the Laker’s announcers or Mike Breen yelled “Unleash the Dobermans” for a LBJ defensive stand (not just one block I will not mention) or even, “OH, my goodness, they poked the bear!” after the opposing team scored?
This is only a debate for sportswriters who need a topic to fill up their columns. Some people think Trump is GOAT of the presidency. Congrats and all due respect to Lebron. Now, let's get working on either signing AD or Howard for next season.
It's hard for me to believe that Laker team won. Clearly rebounding and defense matters. James practically willed himself every available rebound. And Davis' ability to guard the perimeter is a big monkey wrench in P+R schemes.
But wait til they face a team with perimeter shooting.
LeBron will never be GOAT, in my opinion. But that is mostly because I don't like him. The quote you referenced is excellent. If he had won 4 championships in Miami, then he'd have a claim now. I hope that he never gets another championship ring, though.
I think it is extremely rare that the concept of a GOAT is valid - not to say never but I don't think it's valid in NBA basketball. Y'all know the reasons: different eras, several candidates that seem undeniably "the best," all that. I saw Wilt, Kareem, MJ, and of course LBJ. I'd happily start an all time team with any one of 'em.