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Oscar Robertson’s Controversial LeBron James Take That Angered Michael Jordan Fans

Published 10/21/2021, 2:30 PM EDT

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The NBA GOAT argument is a never-ending debate. However, now the debate has been presented a binary one, between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Many have given their opinions on who’s better among Jordan and LeBron. But if you feel tired of listening to these debates or even talking about it, just think of a retired NBA player.

Several NBA pundits and former NBA stars have pitched in and given their verdicts on their preference for the best ever. However, it’s a timeless topic, and there will always be a division on this topic.

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NBA legend Oscar Robertson also had his say on this debate in an old interview of him. Big O clearly was in LeBron‘s corner at that time.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Anthony Davis, Scottie Pippen, & Other Teammates of LeBron James and Michael Jordan Pick Sides in GOAT Debate

Oscar Robertson felt LeBron James was as good as Michael Jordan in an old interview

Former Bucks star Oscar Robertson’s old interview from 2010 has resurfaced on YouTube. In the interview, Big O responded to Charles Barkley’s comments on LeBron James that he will ‘never be Jordan’ after he signed with the Heat.

“Barkley (Charles Barkley) trying to say that he thinks LeBron is not as good as Michael Jordan? Come on,” Oscar Robertson said.

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The interviewer, ESPN journalist Mark Schwartz, then asked Oscar: “What do you think?”

To this, Oscar replied: “LeBron is in the class by himself. To me, the face of the team now. Wherever he goes, he’ll be the face of the team.”

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Oscar then even encouraged LeBron after this departure from the Cavaliers as a free agent. LeBron’s exit from Cleveland was ugly, and it didn’t go down with the fans well. However, LeBron came back to Cleveland in 2014 and won them a championship. Oscar had some motivational words for LeBron at that time.

“When they talk about you, they burn your jersey. Man! just grit your teeth, go harder. Just keep going harder. Keep going as hard as you can and wear them out,” Oscar said.

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However, Oscar was team LeBron in 2010 as he admitted that LeBron was as good as Jordan. Since then, LeBron has won four NBA championships and broke several NBA records. He is also chasing some major all-time records. He may or may not be better than Jordan, but as far as talents and skills go, he is indeed in a class by himself.

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Written by:

Abhishek Singh

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Abhishek is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of journalistic experience with Chase Your Sport and Dribl. A Football Management graduate, he has previously interned in the Indian Super League, I-League and the AFC Champions League. In addition to being a Michael Jordan fan, Abhishek is an ardent Steph Curry and Warriors guy, and believes they have a few more championships in store before the former retires.
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