The GOAT debate, while fun, is a never-ending saga. Over the past decade, LeBron James and Michael Jordan have been at the epicentre of this never-ending discussion, effectively dividing the NBA community into two passionate camps. Notably, one of Michael Jordan’s staunch supporters in this debate is the veteran analyst Stephen A. Smith, renowned for his critical stance against LeBron James.

Smith, known for being James’ harshest critic, has persistently championed Michael Jordan as superior to James in every way. However, James’ ex-teammate cleverly altered the tune of this ongoing GOAT debate, rendering an intriguing twist to the narrative.

Kendrick Perkins chimes in on the GOAT debate

LeBron James will be turning 39 this December. Yet, he shows no signs of stopping. Defying Father Time yet again, the 4x NBA Champions led the Lakers to victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in the Battle of LA. James delivered an astounding performance, scoring 35 points in a thrilling 130-125 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Akron Hammer also contributed with 11 rebounds and seven assists as the Lakers ended an 11-game losing streak against the Clippers and improved their season record to 3-2.

In the recent episode of First Take, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins presented a compelling argument in the ongoing GOAT debate. He pointed to LeBron’s impressive statistics to support his case, emphasizing that Michael Jordan wasn’t putting up similar numbers during his final years in the NBA. Notably, Jordan’s NBA career was only 15-years-long. He averaged 20.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists in his last ten games before retiring. With this in mind, Perkins remarked, “This is why LeBron James is the GOAT. Because your GOAT wasn’t doing this at 38 years of age.”

Moreover, as per Perkins, what solidifies James’ case as the GOAT is his ability to impact the game with his intangibles. “When I think about guys like Austin Reaves and Cam Reddish that went out there last night in the starting lineup, performed on both ends of the floor, did what they needed to do. I saw a level of confidence. …That’s what LeBron James brings out of people – the best out of people.”

LeBron James is still the face of the league

LeBron James‘ 21-year-long career has been a thrilling journey through a tapestry of accolades and record-breaking moments. After he eclipsed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s mark of 38,387 points to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, he matched a similar record-breaking moment in yesterday’s matchup. He surpassed Karl Malone for the most 30-point games in NBA history after reaching the age of 35, with a total of 81 such games. In addition, he established a new record for the highest number of points scored in a game by a player in their 21st season, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki’s record of 30 points in 2019.

Read More: Having Grown-Up Watching ?Monster? LeBron James Posterizing Entire NBA, Austin Reaves Delves on Witnessing One Closely With His Lob

This led Perkins to remark, “We have been searching and trying to find a new person to take over the throne of being the face of the league, and we can’t put a finger on that yet. You know why? Because LeBron James is still the face of the league.”?

Watch this story: With Lakers Down Bad, Skip Bayless Tears Into LeBron James for Overconfidence: ?Really, King??

Do you agree with Kendrick Perkins? Let us know in the comments!