Ah, the age-old debate. Since about 2016, the NBA GOAT debate has been a constant topic of discussion throughout the summer. While the months are quiet for NBA fans, these debates became the primary source of entertainment. Deprived of basketball, these debates can get repetitive with the same points getting recycled. However, a new voice joined the fray with some interesting arguments for LeBron James‘ case. Does it hold up in the argument against Michael Jordan?
Like most other debates in the MJ-LBJ section, it’s a matter of personal opinion. So, let’s find out.
How social media impacts the LeBron James era
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While the usual arguments are getting old, a new matter is entering the foray. Weeks after Michael’s trainer brought shoe sales into the argument, for which he received serious flack, another meter has entered the discussion. This time in the form of Klutch Sports CEO and reputed NBA agent, Rich Paul.
The agent for LeBron since his early days with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rich and Klutch Sports have emerged as one of the premier agents in the entire league. As a result, what started as a personal decision from James has become a smart, sly one.
Speaking to Gilbert Arenas, the $120 million worth Paul laid his points across. “LeBron is the first player to have to deal with a 24/7 365 news cycle of sports and opinions from those that are not even capable or have the valid expertise to give a valid opinion.”?
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“In addition to, I’m not gonna do it how y’all want me to do it. I’m gonna do it how I decide to do it…That’s something Mike never had to deal with. His hardest critic was probably Peter Wesley. So, I think LeBron’s antlers are in platinum and Michael’s are in gold.”?
“LeBron is the first player to have to deal with a 24/7 365 news cycle of sports and opinions.”
Rich Paul speaks to how the coverage of LeBron is different from the other greats. pic.twitter.com/aL4scR4l4b
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) September 4, 2023
As always, fans from around the NBA world quickly went about proclaiming their opinion. Further, as is par for the course of this debate, a consensus seemed impossible.
Fans sound their verdict on Michael Jordan and LeBron debate
Some fans were clearly in support of Paul’s opinions, claiming the media attention was ‘disgusting’.
Correct. It’s been disgusting to say the least. It’s why MJ doesn’t care for the debate. It’s useless. Literally, blowing in the wind. It’s no longer fun because what’s been done is being diminished by what IS. LeBron is the generation’s greatest player, as is Steph. https://t.co/1DSOck0DZh
— Gmond Dream (@SgjrThegamer) September 5, 2023
Others, however, brought up the mentality of Michael Jordan and how he would embrace the criticism.
Yea what Rich is saying is mostly true but do he think MJ wouldn’t survive the 24hr news/social media with criticism MJ welcomed criticism and trash talk hell he even was searching for it to keep him motivated through games. People seem to forget or if u wasn’t born do research
— MarB34 (@B34Mar) September 4, 2023
Some even pointed to the financial and popularity benefits that James has gotten due to the same constant media attention.
Sure, but also LBJ does everything he can to keep himself in the news cycle … like RP said, he gonna do it his way, but don’t act like in the hindrance when your whole ass brand is based on increased media coverage … just chill with that take
— Mister Miracle 🇵🇭 (@Mister_Miracle) September 4, 2023
The 24/7 news cycle also benefits Bron and the rest of the NBA. Part of the reason they can make so much money. Take the good with the bad.
— Michel Filemon (@theoriginalTIPa) September 4, 2023
One fan was ready to offer a much more nuanced perspective. According to him, both sides had pros and cons to their era that the other cannot comprehend.
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You can’t fault jordan bc social media wasn’t around in the 90’s same way you can’t fault lebron for the lack of physicality in the league today when anyone can get calls and it’s easier to score.
— Anique Jones (@No_Chill_Gus) September 4, 2023
As always, Twitterverse could not reach a consensus about the Jordan-James debate. However, the new point of argument has brought forward a lot of conversation. What do you think of Paul’s comments? Does it change the discussion for you in any way?
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Let us know in the comments below.