One of the crucial arguments in the LeBron James vs Michael Jordan GOAT debate is: Who has the most rings? While Bron stans find ways to counter the argument, this one particular question keeps the Chicago Bulls legend on top. However, a senior analyst found a way for King James to go one up in the debate with a fresh milestone. At the same time, the superstar’s ex-teammate sarcastically gave him a solution to claim the much-awaited fifth ring. Hint: 3 All-Stars.

While the Akron Hammer had his head held up high during the Paris Olympics, he was indeed taken for a ride in the off-season. James & Co. put in their best efforts to stack the roster to raise their championship opportunity. Notably, the 4x Champ even agreed to take a pay cut. But, it ended up making no difference, as they will enter the upcoming season without major change. In this situation, there is an easier way for James to claim his next ring.

In the latest episode of ESPN’s NBA Today, the crew focused on James’ hot pursuit, the fifth ring. While the crew considered various difficult possibilities, which looked almost unattainable, Tim Bontemps, a senior analyst, came up with a shortcut. He vouched that it will be more realistic for James to win his next ring as an owner than as a player. Bontemps also reasoned, “Bronny James is now playing with him, his son in LA. He’s clearly boxed into being with the Lakers. Now going forward, it’s hard to see a path of them being good enough to win a title.” 

That’s when LeBron James‘ former teammate, Richard Jefferson, pounced forward and sarcastically asked, “Fifth ring count if he does it as an owner?” While everyone agreed to it in unison, it will also put James over MJ over the special milestone of winning a ring as an owner. The LA superstar has expressed his wish to own a franchise for a long time. And Jordan recently gave up his Charlotte Hornets‘ ownership stakes after repeated failure. Jefferson didn’t leave his former teammate with this. He had another sarcastic dig.

Richard Jefferson finds a solution for LeBron James & Co. to win the title

“Of course” – This was LeBron James’ confident response when an interviewer asked if he’d win the next season. Why wouldn’t a 39-year-old man, who is still on top of his game, have the confidence to say this? But, in reality, the LA Lakers have a tough chance, especially looking at the competition in the West.

However, Richard Jefferson, who had won a championship with LeBron James in 2016, mockingly offered a solution. He said, “You look at an incomplete team, an incomplete roster from the standpoint is, they don’t have enough dogs… But I will say this, you look at the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, the Lakers are three All-Star players-caliber players away from being on their level… Three All-Star caliber players that’s how far the Lakers are away from being on the same tier.” 

The Celts have the reining Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and two-way star Derrick White, making a complete roster. Meanwhile, at the Lakers, the team has no experience apart from James and Anthony Davis. Some may consider D’Angelo Russell as an experienced All-Star-caliber, but even then, the team is short of two more All-Stars. Do you agree with Richard Jefferson’s point of view? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.