To say LeBron James is rewriting history books is an understatement—but this time, he did it alongside his son. In a recent win over the Rockets, Bronny James—just 20 years old—hit his ninth triple of the season, and the Crypto.com Arena absolutely erupted. What’s wild? That three-pointer tied a record that Michael Jordan set during his rookie season. And while the moment felt like a passing of the torch, things weren’t as rosy outside the court.

Even that stunning display didn’t stop people from throwing shade. When Bronny joined the Lakers, critics, including Stephen A. Smith, were quick to cry ‘nepotism’. And Bronny’s early struggles didn’t help quieten the noise. But then, LeBron had enough. Right in the middle of a packed arena, he took a shot back—calling out Smith, loud and clear. The moment lit up social media, with athletes and commentators diving into the debate. And now, a national reporter just threw another log into the fire.

Enter Dan Patrick. On a recent episode of Gil’s Arena, the veteran voice weighed in. “You clearly don’t like LeBron. There is history there and LeBron probably thought, you know what, enough of this s–t. You can critique me as a basketball player, but I gave my son an opportunity,” Patrick said. And he didn’t stop there. “Yes, is there nepotism? Yes. And I don’t have any problem with.” Patrick even showed LeBron James some real respect, saying, “LeBron has been, by all accounts, a pretty damn good parent and husband.” But the other shoe hadn’t dropped yet.

“I have great admiration for what he did. I think it’s the greatest basketball career,” he admitted. And then came the sting. Without blinking, he dropped, “If you look at the totality of it, he’s never going to be Mike.” Patrick further explained, “People won’t allow it… It’s just interesting how we hold on to that memory of Michael Jordan like it’s, you know, it’s dear life. LeBron could win seven titles. He would never be viewed as better than Michael Jordan in the public consciousness.”

So as per Patrick even Bronny even couldn’t help his father in this never ending GOAT debate.

Dan Patrick thinks LeBron can’t be the GOAT—even with the stats

LeBron James has done everything in his power to be “The Chosen One.” But according to Dan Patrick, he’s still stuck in MJ’s shadow.

“LeBron, of all people, should understand how the media works, and he’s wanted to be the face of the NBA. Like, you can’t come out and call yourself ‘The King,’ ‘The Chosen One,’ take Mike’s #23; I mean let’s just stop with that… LeBron was trying to be the face; he wanted to emulate Michael Jordan at every step of the way,” Patrick said as per Fox Sports Studio. And since there’s no clear young star stepping up, he added, “LeBron is still the face of the NBA.”

But it gets deeper. Earlier this month, Patrick appeared on Don’t @Me with Dan Dakich and got into the real GOAT conversation. Dakich set the tone, saying, “The two best players I’ve ever seen – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan. I think LeBron is right there, but that’s where I’m at.” And while Patrick agreed, he didn’t completely dismiss LeBron either.

In fact, he acknowledged the king’s stacked resume. “With the totality of his career, LeBron is the most decorated player of all time. I have no problem if someone says, ‘LeBron is better than Michael,’” Patrick shared. But stats alone, he says, don’t crown the GOAT. Because at the end of the day, it’s about how people see you.

“The problem is, I don’t think people look at LeBron with the same respect that they do, Michael. Stephen A. (Smith) is talking about swinging at him. No one ever would say anything like that about Michael Jordan. But it feels like LeBron is not respected in the way that Michael was and is, and I think that hurts him. Plus, people are holding on for dear life (to) their Michael memories,” Patrick said.

And just like that, the debate stays wide open.