via Imago
Image Courtesy – Imago
via Imago
Image Courtesy – Imago
Recently, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith gave his view on the eternal GOAT debate between Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James and NBA legend Michael Jordan. His opinion came at a time when James is just a few points away from surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record. Meanwhile, Smith’s take was seemingly not very well-received by fans who shared their thoughts on social media.
Stephen A. Smith picks Michael Jordan as his GOAT
In a recent episode of ‘First Take’, Smith delved deeper and gave his view on the GOAT debate between the six-time champion and the four-time champion. During the show, he said, “There’s nothing to discuss here. LeBron James is on the Mount Rushmore of basketball. One of the greatest players to have ever played the game… I have nothing but respect, profound respect for the greatness of LeBron James. But I have told you before, he never was, he never has been, nor will he ever be greater than Michael Jordan – it will never happen….”
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Moreover, he added, “…this dude is something special, the game will miss him when he is gone. He is nothing short of phenomenal.”
Furthermore, Smith finished off by saying, “My mind, on this specific topic will never change. LeBron James is number two all-time and Michael Jordan is number one.”
NBA fans reflect on Stephen A. Smith’s take
As soon as Smith gave his take, it garnered a lot of attention from fans online. They chimed in on social media with their thoughts and opinions. Unsurprisingly, Smith’s opinion divided NBA Twitter. One group was stating MJ was better than James while the other group was explaining why ‘King James’ is ahead of ‘His Airness’ in the GOAT debate.
Here are some more reactions from NBA Twitter:
Ratings must be in the gutter
— SUMA CHILD (@jozeedukreme) February 3, 2023
Why even ask old heads anymore. They stay in the past and will never admit
— Chris Sheehan (@Chrisss_Sheehan) February 3, 2023
Jordan is still the GOAT. At his prime of primes nobody has dominated the league like he has
— Mykell Mathieu (@MykellthePG) February 3, 2023
If it’s about championships that would make bill Russell the goat.
— Cedric Lyons (@CedricLyons8) February 3, 2023
Facts!!! Jordan is the GOAT!!!
— Charlie Grimes (@cgrimes615) February 3, 2023
Bron #1 easy
— SkolWolves (@DuluthDinger) February 3, 2023
Bruh I just don’t understand the big problem with it ..Michael Jordan Is #1 and Lebron is #2 nobody will ever have a bigger impact on the game of basketball than MJ .. Lebron has been the face of the nba for almost 20yrs but MJ is the face of basketball!!!
— Iamwhoiam (@Iamwhoi93616251) February 3, 2023
LeBron James is the GOAT by a country mile. It’s not even close
— BONE 👑 (@BelovedBone) February 3, 2023
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No one could beat Jordan in his prime.
Several have beaten Lebron in his prime.— William C. Michael (CLAA) (@wcmclaa) February 3, 2023
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Watch this story – Years before calling himself the goat, LeBron James wanted to honor Michael Jordan, pushing NBA to take a huge step
What are your thoughts on the comments by Stephen A. Smith about his pick in the GOAT debate? Who do you think is the greatest player of all time between LeBron James and Michael Jordan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
