The influence of certain basketball players transcends the generations and eras. Their impacts extend beyond the game as their involvement changes the culture and standards forever. Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two such names on the list for their contributions to inspire millions.

Thus, the debate over who amongst them is the greatest of all time remains an ongoing one. Recently, two NBA personalities, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe, indulged themselves in one such argument.

The first of many

The newest recruit of First Take, Sharpe, sparked a debate with Stephen in his Club Shay Shay show. In the latest podcast, the moment Smith uttered the name of LeBron James, the host started shouting, “He the GOAT,”?stirring a debate. Stephen sided with Michael Jordan as his pick for the best of all time and the disputation escalated.

Stephen A. stayed in touch with Michael and even received a text from him a few days back. “Just got off the phone MJ last night,”?Smith said to stand on his ground, to which Shannon jokingly replied,?“You should have hung up on him”.?Sharpe explained how Jordan took multiple breaks in his career, but LeBron never did so. “My storm been going on for 21 years raining,”?he said to highlight the Los Angeles Lakers star’s longevity.

Stephen hit back with the iconic, “My retort to that would be six NBA final losses,”?which visibly baffled Sharpe a bit. The duo then engaged in a war of words over the numbers these two legends recorded. Smith gained the upper hand, stating, “LeBron is universally respected and revered. MJ was feared”.

Read More: With 0 Titles in the Last 50 Years, Die-Hard Knicks Fan Stephen A. Smith Claims to Have ?Begged? $176 Million NBA Superstar to Join the NY Franchise

Despite this, the spat was far from over and continued for some time after. This interaction showcased a glimpse of what First Take would offer to their viewers this time around. As the fans get excited over the possibility of watching these two together, they must never misinterpret one thing.

The relationship between Michael Jordan and LeBron James

James has always considered the Chicago Bulls legend as his inspiration for the game of basketball. The 38-year-old grew up watching the shooting guard and regarded him as his hero for the game.

Jordan has been appreciative of the 4-time MVP too. As both stand tall as the leading figures of their own eras, maybe they understand each other the best.

Watch This Story: After Ditching $157,990,000,000 Worth Company in 2013, Stephen Curry Faces ?Full Circle Moment? Courtesy of Latest Collab With NBA Legend

This argument will never reach its end. At the same time, the fans of the game will never stop participating in it. The game of opinions makes the matchup of legends more beautiful.