via Getty
Los Angeles, CA, Monday, December 28, 2020 – Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sails in for a breakaway dunk against the Trail Blazers at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) | Courtesy: Getty Images
via Getty
Los Angeles, CA, Monday, December 28, 2020 – Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) sails in for a breakaway dunk against the Trail Blazers at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) | Courtesy: Getty Images
It’s a rough day for the Lakers and their King LeBron James after their ruthless elimination from the 2021 Playoff run. The Phoenix Suns ripped through the defending champions in Game 6 to keep themselves in the league. While 4-2 was a surprising end for the Lakers, LeBron James was also left with certain personal defeats on the way.
It’s the first time in his staggering career that Bron has submitted to a loss in the first round of playoffs. This statistic has always been a useful advantage to LeBron fans in the GOAT conversation over the great Michael Jordan. Unfortunately, these numbers have changed the course of that debate after today.
USA Today via Reuters
May 27, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket past Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder (99) during the fourth quarter of game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
Michael Jordan had his share of glum days
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The former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan faced defeat thrice in the playoffs in the first round from 1985 to 1987. Those the initial years of MJ’s career, since he had been drafted in 1984 to the Bulls. From there on, he made his way to the second round, then to the Conference Finals, and finally went on to finally clinch six NBA titles in an era dedicated to his name.
On the other hand, LeBron James stayed undefeatable for 14 years in the first round. But now, the score stands 14-1. Over the years, LeBron has gained a name for being a clutch player and a powerhouse in postseason matchups. However, the tiresome season has wreaked havoc on those adjectives as well.
via Getty
DETROIT – APRIL 06: Michael Jordan is announced as a member of the 2009 Hall-of-Fame class at halftime of the Michigan State Spartans and the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2009 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship game at Ford Field on April 6, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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LeBron James could hit a low in the GOAT debate
Popular NBA analyst Skip Bayless took a dig at the same playoff statistic and tweeted right after the Lakers-Suns matchup. He wrote, “Somewhere, Michael Jordan is chuckling.”
Somewhere, Michael Jordan is chuckling.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 4, 2021
Despite what Bayless might think, the GOAT debates aren’t coming to an end anytime soon. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan have been seen to swap rankings in this debate even after years of comparison.
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In the current season, players like Devin Booker have displayed ultimate potential so far. The newbies are finding a spot on the greatest list but they have a long way to go. Restricting a player as aggressive as Bron is a job well done by the Suns and the Lakers have much to ponder upon from here on.
READ MORE: ‘Gonna Play for the Tune Squad’: LeBron James Jokes About Not Participating in Tokyo Olympics 2021
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