In 2002, LeBron James was dubbed ‘The Chosen One’. The Sports Illustrated cover star was only a junior in high school in Akron, Ohio. Now, years later, he stands alone at the top of the scoring chart and has turned many doubters into believers along the way. Although the perennial debate will always exist, about the GOAT debate between the Los Angeles Lakers superstar and Michael Jordan. Very few from the MJ era would choose LeBron, and one such person is 2x NCAA Champion, Cheryl Miller.

Making an appearance on the Mark Jackson show, Miller first answered the ‘1992 Dream Team’ vs the 2024 ‘Avengers Team’ debate. The former 1984 Gold Medalist had difficulty picking up a team and even explained her dilemma with a funny anecdote. “You gotta go with LeBron, who at the age of 65 is playing like a 25-year-old it’s uncanny. That young man at 65 is playing like a 45-year-old. It’s crazy sick what he’s doing.”

Mark Jackson’s son and co-host ‘Bluu’ asked if that was a diss at LeBron James. Miller clarified, “LeBron is a freak of nature,” and also described his game style to prove her point at home. The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game coach described the 39-year-old running at the defense as one of his strongest suits. Currently, he may not run at the same ferocity as in his younger days but still remains one of the best.

“There’s no answer for it none and now he has all this wisdom and I mean that just makes him that makes him special.” She was later questioned about the GOAT debate and Miller also acknowledged Michael Jordan and his contributions to taking the game where it is today.

“It was obvious there was a game and then there was Mike.” Miller also spoke about why Lebron might pip the Chicago Bulls legend for the GOAT debate.

Michael Jordan and LeBron James GOAT debate

Although Michael Jordan was her sentimental favorite, Miller couldn’t help but underline a key difference. Not the amount of championships, but how they achieved them. For MJ, it was clear he was part of the Bulls dynasty not once but twice. He even came out of retirement to win his second three-peat.

The 3x Naismith Player of the Year felt LeBron had a difficult path. Changing teams and cities and proving each time his mettle. “And I don’t mean it in a bad way. But after Chicago… But LeBron, he bounced around. I mean, who does that? Who leaves Cleveland, bounces down takes heat, the first time they didn’t win it, but wins in Miami and decides to take his talents back to Cleveland and then win a title and bounce to L.A. and then win a title? Mike, love him. But after Chicago, it’s crickets. That’s a strong argument for LeBron.”

Miller clarified that it was not a dig at Michael Jordan, but the positives of LeBron James. Do you agree that the Lakers superstar and his championship triumph MJ’s 6x Championship?