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“GOAT Conversation Is Officially Over”: Stephen A. Smith Makes Massive Michael Jordan Claim Over Lebron James After Shock Lakers Elimination

Published 04/07/2022, 5:30 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The GOAT conversation is always a discussion of the two or three best players that have ever played the game. LeBron James is often compared to Michael Jordan. Jordan’s six championships and his record in the finals often outweigh any other comparison. Whereas, LeBron James’ impact on the game and his longevity is most of the time the reply to Jordan’s accomplishments.

LeBron and the Lakers have been eliminated from the playoffs. Despite James’ incredible performance in his last 6 games, his teammates couldn’t manage to keep the Lakers’ Play-In hopes alive.

Is the GOAT conversation over between LeBron James and Jordan

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Many are regarding this season as LeBron‘s worst. Individually, though, James’ numbers were great this season. But the team wasn’t as consistent. Stephen A had some statements to make for any GOAT conversation that takes place from now.

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“The GOAT conversation is officially over. It was never there for me. It was always Michael Jordan first, LeBron second. But if ever there was any doubt, this cemented the fact that LeBron James cannot be considered to go. That conversation is over.”

Stephen A. explains the reason that LeBron couldn’t get his teammates in order, for because of their inconsistency, the Lakers took a hard hit. Bringing teammates together was one of the similarities between Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

USA Today via Reuters

But for LeBron, he was playing with future Hall of Famers, and to bring them together to support the team was James’ job. Though he put his all in, teaching and leading the team is also something that the greats consider doing.

LeBron James fell behind some of the most average teams

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Stephen A. also recalls LeBron’s take on the Play-In tournament, when it was announced for the future NBA seasons and the other teams that qualified for the Play-In.

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“This is a man that spoke out and said he was against the Play-In. Now you ain’t even make the Play-In. The New Orleans Pelicans without Zion Williamson and the San Antonio Spurs years removed from the retirement of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, and Tony Parker, nowhere close to 500. They are going to the playoffs ahead of a team led by LeBron James.”

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This would’ve seemed impossible a few years ago, but to imagine such teams ahead of LeBron in the regular season seems disappointing. Teams like the Pelicans and the Spurs are two of the most average teams in the league as well. What are your thoughts on the GOAT conversation now that the regular season has almost ended? Do let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Balraj Singh Babrah

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Balraj Singh Babrah is an NBA writer with EssentiallySports. He has been an NBA fan since 2016, and watching Curry shoot from distance inspired him to play basketball. Additionally, he loves analyzing and predicting games based on stats.
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Edited by:

Ajinkya Aswale