Despite it being a topic for so many years, the GOAT debate always finds its way back into discussions on podcasts and talk shows. Even fans aren’t tired of hearing about it because it is something every NBA fan has an opinion on. However, when one of the greatest players contributes to this debate, who wouldn’t want to listen? Gary Payton recently revealed who he thought was a better player – Michael Jordan or LeBron James. However, when reacting to his opinion, Isiah Thomas got caught in the crossfire.

Gary Payton picks LeBron James over Michael Jordan

In Scoop B’s podcast, Payton leaned towards LeBron James as the better player over Michael Jordan. He stated:

“Two different basketball players. Jordan was a guy who, he’s going to make big shots, he’s going to take the ball every time and shoot it every time he has to. I think LeBron is an all-around basketball player. If you asked me, ‘Who’s the better all-around basketball player?’ LeBron James by far. He does everything, he passes the ball better than Jordan. He can dribble it, I think, a little bit better than Jordan … shooting-wise, I don’t think so. Rebounding I think he did, but Jordan did rebound. But they’re two different basketball players.”

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Payton’s choice did not sit well with MJ fans, or even sports pundits who hold a grudge against LeBron.

Isiah Thomas gets dragged into the discussion

Both Payton and Isiah Thomas spent most of their careers trying to win against the Chicago Bulls. However, as long as MJ was there, they had no shot. In fact, Thomas and Jordan are considered one of the greatest rivals and their beef was unmatched. So when Payton picked Bron over Jordan, analyst Skip Bayless couldn’t take it and responded snarkily.

“We need to disqualify Gary Payton because he’s out of the Isiah Thomas mold of having a little bit of jealousy and a little bit of resentment for a guy [Jordan] who kicked your a**,” asserted Skip.

Thomas, who couldn’t just sit back as a spectator as Bayless dragged him through the mud, also hit back and said, “Don’t confuse or interpret my facts with your emotional feelings.”

Looks like Payton’s comments sparked an unnecessary controversy. But for the sake of the argument, would you side with Bayless on this or with Payton?

Read also- Former DPOY Gary Payton Believes He Could Have Stopped Michael Jordan in 1996 NBA Finals