“I’m not a PG, SG, SF, PF, C. I’m a ball player. Put me out on the floor with whoever & I’ll make things happen.” Back in 2020, LeBron James proclaimed that positions on the court, don’t define his role. The Lakers superstar’s tenure has seen him listed in all five positions, making him versatile and the only player in the league to do so. And recently, a long-time Michael Jordan rival also hammered home the same fact about King James.

“You know when you talking about top guys like LeBron in this era here being the best small forward, he’s a part of ANY conversation of one of the greatest small forwards EVER.” Dominique Wilkins spoke to Scoop B Radio host, about the ability of LeBron James. The host would follow it up by asking if the 4x NBA Champion should be in the SF category since he has played multiple positions in the league. And to that, the Hawks legend had a brilliant answer.

“He’s whatever he wants to be. That’s what LeBron is. He’s whatever he wants to be because wherever he plays, he thrives so it don’t really matter, you know?” The 9x All-Star continued,” He’s not a small forward or a guard. He’s just a hell of a basketball player.” Beginning with his rookie year, the Cleveland Cavaliers first trusted the Akron native with the Shooting Guard position. From the next season onwards, LeBron played as a Small Forward and has reps in that position for a maximum time of 12 seasons, excluding the current one.

Apart from that, he also played as a Power Forward for 5 seasons. His Point Guard role was evident when the LA Lakers won the title in the 2019-20 season, where he also achieved his highest average for assists in his career (10.2). Lastly, for the Purple and Gold franchise, 20x All-Star also played as the Center during the 2021-22 season. That’s why Dominique Wilkins was clear to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson about LeBron James‘ versatility and that’s why he didn’t get involved in the GOAT debate between his long-term rival and LeBron James.

“You know there’s always going to be a debate.” Dominique Wilkins continued, “It’s been a debate since the beginning of time so, I don’t personally believe in the GOAT. I believe in GOATS because it’s a lot of guys in different eras, so how can you really judge or compare that.” But once he had another Lakers superstar in mind who was on a pedestal alongside Michael Jordan.

Dominique Wilkins did not call LeBron James as ruthless as the Bulls legend

The Atlanta Hawks legend and MJ both hailed from North Carolina as high schoolers. Since that time, the current VP of Basketball Operations of the league had an idea of Bulls’ legends abilities. He also faced the 6x NBA Champion 48 times, with an impressive 25-23 in favor of Michael Jordan. So, he knew who was close to having the killer mentality on the court.

“People who played against Kobe, they know, they know, they know!” Wilkins appeared on the Knuckleheads podcast and further explained, “Well, see if you haven’t played against either one of them guys, you don’t realize how good they really were, and you know its easy for people especially when you have different social media feeds with these comparisons who’s the greatest, who’s not. I don’t buy into all of that? both of them was lethal and they didn’t care anything about you when they got on the floor. They were trying to cut your throat.”

So, from appreciating LeBron James for playing multiple positions to naming Kobe Bryant as a successor to Michael Jordan. Dominique Wilkins might not have selected his overall GOAT, but his comments give a lot to think about.