We have our first GOAT debate of 2024, ladies and gentlemen. And this time around, the perpetrator of the discussion was Allen Iverson. During a discussion with Rachel Nichols, the Philadelphia 76ers legend would reveal his order on the pyramid. For ages, Iverson has gone back and forth on his picks, especially between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. However, this time around, his answer was unique. “There’s Michael and Kobe, and then there’s everybody else.” However, his passionate plea made the most debated topic rear its ugly head. But, for the most part, the consensus is the same.

Even though the respect for him is tremendous, most people do not have Kobe Bryant in the GOAT discussion. Except for AI and former teammate Shaquille O’Neal, the Mamba is usually in the next tier of all-time greats. That was the message Stephen A. Smith tried to put across, directly addressing the 4x scoring champ.

“But Kobe Bryant is not the second greatest player in NBA history. That’s just not true. It’s just not. The points per game didn’t equal LeBron’s, the assists didn’t equal LeBron’s, the rebounds didn’t equal LeBron’s, the durability didn’t equal LeBron’s. He’s got more rings.” However, that holds a caveat.

“But, we can’t ignore the fact that the first three came with Shaq in his prime. One of the top 2 most dominant figures in the history of basketball. That dude. Now Shaq didn’t win without him. I know who Kobe is, I know who Kobe was. I know what Kobe meant and will forever mean to the game of basketball and top-10 all-time, ain’t no doubt about it.”

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But that is where he draws the line. “But, he ain’t top two.” Then, in a remarkable bit of turnabout, Stephen A. of all people would jump to the defense of The King. 

Stephen A. Smith jumps to the defense of LeBron and MJ ahead of Kobe Bryant

During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, James would enjoy his fair share of all-star success. “LeBron didn’t have Shaq as a teammate. Kyrie [Irving] and Kevin Love, ok. D[Dwyane] Wade, [Chris] Bosh, Ray Allen, ok.” But, those names quantify and compare to the sheer insanity that was Shaquille O’Neal in his prime.

“You cannot put him number 2 over LeBron. You cannot put him number 2 over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Kobe was number 2 to MJ as a two-guard, and he might be number 2 as a Laker to Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson depending on who you ask.”

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So, while tales of jealousy turning to mutual respect are heartwarming, they cannot justify a top-2 placement. Perhaps, Iverson will change his pick soon enough.

Allen Iverson Offers Gut-Wrenching Confession of Heartwarming Bond With Fans