In a rare sit-down interview with Time, LeBron James took the time to answer numerous questions about his career as a whole and his basketball future. Of course, though, the dialogue eventually made its way into a G.O.A.T debate. Fans have been making their stance clear about who they think is better between James and Michael Jordan for around a decade now, and the argument has become arguably the most frequently discussed and highly debatable piece of sports conversation.
In his interview with Time, James confirmed his confidence and self-belief in his talent, while also giving props to the basketball legend that came before him, particularly when it comes to Jordan's influence on the game and culture as a whole.
“You ask somebody that grew up in the Jordan era, they're gonna say Jordan,” James responded when asked about who is the more influential athlete. “You ask somebody who grew up in the LeBron era, they're still gonna say Jordan. Listen, to each his own. I can tell you this. I never step my feet in another man's shoes, saying, ‘Ok, well, sh*t, I got to do better than him.' My journey is my journey. I do what I do. I know what I've brought to the table. From a basketball standpoint, an inspiring standpoint, an influential standpoint, I know I can walk in any room.”
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Jordan popularized the shoe game and became a global star because of his endorsement deals, all while racking up huge numbers and championships. James, meanwhile, lived up to the hype as the most highly touted prospect ever, and he is still going strong 23 seasons into his career.
“I'm not taking nobody over me,” James confirmed about who is the best player ever. “There's no question, but I think Mike will say the same thing. Rest his soul, Kobe will say the same thing. Magic will say the same thing. Bird will say the same thing. Shaq could say the same thing. The late great Wilt. Kareem. I don't think none of us are going to take somebody else. If there's a general manager and he's eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it's gonna be hard not to take me.”
The G.O.A.T. debate will never be clearly resolved, but fans now have a better idea of where James stands.
In a rare sit-down interview with Time, LeBron James took the time to answer numerous questions about his career as a whole and his basketball future. Of course, though, the dialogue eventually made its way into a G. O. A. T debate.