The NBA world has always been divided over the ‘GOAT’ debate. Throughout the years, many legendary players have been brought into the conversation, but to no avail. Players such as LeBron James and Michael Jordan are often the most commonly mentioned names in these barbershop debates, but the discussion remains unresolved. Moreover, as King James recently hit a historic milestone, the conversations surrounding the GOAT debate have intensified.
Recently a dear friend of the Chicago Bulls legend was questioned on his choice between the two generation-defining players, to which he had an interesting reply. Recently LeBron James became the All-time Highest scorer in the NBA with over 38,387 points, an unprecedented feat in the sport. However, it has also led to the NBA world having increased arguments about the best player ever. Therefore, when an ex-NBA star voiced himself publicly, it left the basketball fandom divided.
Ex-NBA star has an interesting choice between Michael Jordan and LeBron James
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Michael Jordan retired in 2003, the same year that LeBron James made his debut in the NBA. In hindsight, it was a monumental year as the baton was passed on to a talented youngster, who over the years lived up to his expectations. However, decades later, basketball fans look at this situation in an extremely competitive light, as they argue over the best player to play in the league.
Amidst all the conversations, one ex-NBA star weighed in on his choice between the two behemoths of the sport.?In a recent episode on the KG Certified podcast, Charles Oakley, the former teammate of Michael Jordan, mentioned how he answers the question of who he’d rather play with between the two generation-defining players, which certainly provided food for thought.
Oak weighs in on the GOAT debate. 🥣
Catch @KevinGarnett5KG’s sit-down interview with @CharlesOakley34, now available on our YouTube ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/tQYPZjDbvS
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) March 31, 2023
“I said LeBron, but Mike my best friend,” said Oakley. He added, “Mike ain’t passing me the ball. He don’t care if I get a shot today or tomorrow? When they make the comparison, ‘Who you like? LeBron or Mike’. I says, ‘Frosted flake, Corn Flakes? Mike, LeBron’ So LeBron got no sugar, Mike got the sugar. I’m LeBron… because I was cornflakes.”?
Oakley was Jordan’s teammate in two different centuries. He joined MJ in the Chicago Bulls when the Bulls no. 23 started his journey in the NBA. Following that, Oakley joined Jordan in the Washington Wizards for the final stint in MJ’s basketball career. The 59-year-old former NBA star saw Jordan at two completely different periods in his career that encompassed the latter’s growth as a human being. Needless to say, Oakley has quite some credibility on the issue.
However, fans were rather animated at his choice as it sparked another divisive social media battle between fans as they continued to pick their favorites.
Fans react to Oakley’s pick
The fans had a lot to say and some became very agitated because Oakley chose to disregard their favorite basketball player, even though he had played with him. Despite Oakley’s extensive years of experience in the NBA, many fans discredited his judgment in choosing the NBA’s All-time top-scorer as his preferred teammate.
Although some fans attempted to use statistics to challenge Oakley’s opinion, the majority were simply engaging in trolling behavior and stark criticism. Here are some of the reactions
https://twitter.com/Thedennies_/status/1642341049119932423?s=20
Mike averages 2 less assists than Lebron. 5.3 assts to 7.3 asts.
Lol comical.
It would have been closer if Scottie doesnt come on the team. Scottie was the point forward.
— Jesse Thomas (@JesseTh57495924) April 1, 2023
Lebron will pass you the ball only if he's not looking to break another record. Don't get your hopes up.
— ✒️ (@EarlyNovoa) April 1, 2023
Fans asked Oakley not to get his “hopes up”, as they felt he’d find it difficult to get the ball from King James as well, while many others sided with ‘Team Bron’.
Basketball is a teams sport, sounds like he wants to play with the better basketball player.
— Mendo🦈 (@Mzndoza) April 1, 2023
Bron a pass first player and still 1st in scoring. The goat debate is over. Jordan top 5 though
— CB (@CBfit44) April 1, 2023
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Especially in the clutch in the finals. Lebron always passes the ball.
— KC (@KC_sonshine) April 1, 2023
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As LeBron James gears up for a 16th playoff season in his career, it looks like the debate of him vs Michael Jordan settlement is not on the cards anytime in the near future.
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