The discussion of LeBron James’ place in the history of the NBA has long been a hotly contested debate. Some say he’s already the greatest basketball player of all time, while others believe his move to Miami, and three finals losses, hurt his case for eclipsing the consensus GOAT for many people, Michael Jordon.
Fox Sports 1 NBA analyst Chris Broussard told Gary and Larry Thursday that while LeBron is great, he isn’t the greatest just yet, and still has a bit more to prove.
“I think LeBron would have to win (a championship) this year and next year,” Broussard said. “Because I think we are forgetting how dominant Michael Jordan was, he had that league on lock for six years, maybe eight if he hadn’t retired. At worst LeBron James is the second-best basketball player to ever grace the planet. That is phenomenal. Better than Kareem, better than Magic, better than Bird, better than Kobe. Michael Jordon is the only one he’s got left and if he wins two more titles over superior competition than Jordon beat, then I think you have to call him the GOAT.”
Despite still being slightly behind Jordon, Broussard said that LeBron is by far the second best player ever, and that nobody is even close.
“What LeBron has been doing throughout his career has been amazing,” Broussard said. “To average 20 points a year out of high school…To put that in perspective, Kobe Bryant averaged seven points his first year out of high school, and Kevin Garnett averaged 10. (Lebron) came in the league, some people would say, at an All-Star level, and I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I actually think he may be better than ever right now. That is unheard of for a guy in his 14th season. He’s toying with guys. Obviously he’s not quite as athletic as he used to be, but it’s because of his intelligence as a player, and that all the pressure is gone after winning the championship in Cleveland.”
Listen to the full interview below. To hear Broussard’s’ comments on LeBron go to the 1:43 mark.
