Irrespective of whether someone is well acquainted with the sport of basketball or not, almost every sports fan knows about the famous NBA debate that has gripped basketball for so long. It is the NBA GOAT debate comprising two names: LeBron James and Michael Jordan. However, there are numerous fans who put other players like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in the GOAT debate as well.

Recently, eminent ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith sat with his new colleague and James fan, Shannon Sharpe. During their conversation, Smith seemingly shut out Sharpe’s claims of establishing LeBron as the GOAT.

Stephen A. Smith obliterates LeBron James in the GOAT debate

Who is the NBA GOAT? Is it LeBron, Jordan, or someone else? This topic is debated religiously all across the world. Stephen A. Smith recently gave his take on the famous debate.

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He sat down with Shannon Sharpe, who defends King James and has also received the Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s support on numerous occasions, on the latest episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast.

“How about the fact that, they couldn’t even get the ball past half-court because Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan had them on lock? We never seen LeBron do that! We never seen LeBron do it! Stop it, we never seen him do it”, said Smith while talking about a game between the Orlando Magic and the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan’s ruthlessness on the court, especially during the playoffs, is usually one of the biggest talking factors in the GOAT debate. It seems like even Smith believes this is what separates MJ from his modern-day counterpart.

Smith had given his opinion on the debate a few months ago

2023 has been great for James so far. He led his team to the Western Conference Finals from an unlikely position. Moreover, he also broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record and became the NBA’s All-Time Top scorer.

This wasn’t enough to convince Stephen A. Smith. “I have nothing but respect, profound respect, for the greatness of LeBron James. But … he never was, he never has been, nor will he ever be greater than Michael Jordan“, said Smith.

Additionally, he also mentioned that he truly believes the two players shouldn’t even be compared in the first place. Maybe a 5th NBA ring will shift Smith to LeBron James’ side?

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What are your thoughts on Stephen A. Smith’s claims? Let us know in the comments below.