For ages, the GOAT debate has been one of the most talked about topics in the NBA community. With players from the older generation bringing up legends like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain to some young guns even putting Paul George in that conversation, the difference in opinion has always kept that debate alive. But the two superstars who are usually in the heat of that debate are LeBron James and Michael Jordan. However, JJ Redick no longer wishes to partake in the GOAT debate and even threw a little shade at MJ to prove his point while appreciating LeBron’s greatness.

Making an appearance on Shaquille O’Neal’s The Big Podcast with Shaq, JJ Redick revealed his frustration about the forever ongoing GOAT debate. And he said, “I refuse to get into the GOAT debate.” Due to the difference in how the game was played in different eras and the change in rules, JJ believes comparing LeBron and MJ might not result in fair judgment. Even Shaq joined in to appreciate LeBron’s greatness, reminiscing of a time when they were teammates in Cleveland in 2009-10, saying LeBron was the “Greatest young leader” he had ever seen and has always done it the right way. And that led to JJ hilariously accusing Shaq of stealing ideas from him, “Man stop stealing stuff from my podcast.”

To JJ’s defense, he has been an advocate for LeBron’s greatness for many years. Whether on his podcast or on ESPN’s First Take, JJ has often dismissed the idea of Jordan having it tougher than LeBron because of the physicality of his era. He has even commended LBJ’s leadership and work ethic numerous times. Shaq sharing the same sentiment came as rather repetitive to JJ.

Taking the discussion further, JJ reminded Shaq that during the time MJ was drafted into the NBA, six new NBA teams were introduced to the league, including the Dallas Mavericks in 1981. That means 90 new players joined the NBA, and JJ wondered, “Does that not water down the regular season to a degree?” As great as Jordan was, his numbers might have gotten a huge boost because of several new teams trying to figure out the new ways of the league.

JJ Redick reveals what makes LeBron James so great

Apart from pointing out the unfairness in comparing players from different eras, JJ also negated the GOAT debate because the goalpost always keeps moving. Pointing out LeBron’s longevity, JJ claimed that should also be considered to determine a player’s greatness. He said, “What has made him great is the fact that he has done it now for 21 years at the highest level.” Then, JJ ridiculed the idea of LeBron not being considered a scorer because he has done it in his own way.

While LeBron has not had scoring peaks like MJ’s 37 or 35-point seasons, he has averaged over 25 points for twenty years, which is still an unprecedented achievement. And that puts him in the category of great scorers. Moreover, LeBron is the only player to surpass the 40,000-point mark in NBA history, so the idea that he is not a great scorer is laughable.

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Despite JJ’s logical arguments, the GOAT debate will probably continue to be a barber shop debate for eternity, as many new players might join the conversation soon with the amount of talent influx in the league. And maybe that’s what is so great about being an NBA fan.