Many argue over who is the GOAT… James or Jordan?
LeBron James and Michael Jordan
Following Team USA’s victory over France to win the gold medal in Paris, the age-old debate comparing LeBron James and Michael Jordan has resurfaced.
With this win, LeBron now holds three Olympic gold medals, surpassing Jordan’s two.
Kendrick Perkins, former Boston Celtics star and current ESPN analyst, believes this achievement strengthens LeBron’s case as the greatest of all time.
During a recent appearance on Get Up, Perkins discussed the broader implications of LeBron’s Olympic success.
He noted that while he had long ago decided on his GOAT pick, LeBron’s performance in Paris might just tip the scales in his favor in the eyes of the public.
“The greatest of all-time…He got one up on MJ right now. LeBron James, he was consistently, from the start of the tournament, the best player on Team USA,” Perkins declared on Get Up.
“LeBron’s all-around play was crucial in securing victory, and his ability to adapt to any role the team needed showcased his versatility.”
Is there a case to hold LeBron James above Michael Jordan?
Perkins emphasized LeBron’s willingness to take on any challenge, regardless of position or style, as a testament to his greatness.
“Everything that LeBron James did at this age was a beautiful thing to watch in the Olympics. He’s one up on Jordan right now. He’s been my GOAT,” Perkins added.
While LeBron’s latest achievement adds to his impressive resume, the debate over whether he surpasses Jordan is far from settled.
It’s important to consider that while LeBron now has one more Olympic gold medal than Jordan, the Bulls legend only participated in two Olympics, winning gold both times. In contrast, LeBron has competed in four Olympic Games, earning three gold medals and one bronze.
Another factor to consider is the context in which these gold medals were won. Team USA, stacked with some of the NBA’s best talent, was heavily favored to win, even without LeBron.
Notably, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant played pivotal roles in the team’s success, with Curry saving the team in crucial knockout games and Durant leading in the group stages.
Winning a gold medal on a super team shouldn’t be the sole metric for measuring a player’s greatness. The comparison between LeBron and Jordan requires a broader perspective that goes beyond Olympic achievements.
Despite the renewed arguments following the Olympics, it’s unlikely that Perkins’ stance will sway the deeply entrenched opinions in the GOAT debate.
