Former NBA star rejects LeBron James in GOAT debate with harsh comparison to Jordan and Kobe

LeBron James has long been part of every conversation around NBA GOAT debate. With 22 seasons in the league, four championships with three different teams and a career full of record-breaking achievements, he has firmly established himself among basketball legends such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Yet earlier Phoenix Suns guard Stephon Marbury has a different view of King James’s place in history.

“When I look at Kobe, I think, ‘How is LeBron better than Jordan when he’s not better than Kobe?'” Marbury claimed during an appearance on The Mark Jackson Showwhere he was asked to weigh in on the GOAT debate. “I will try to find out. I’m like, ‘Why are we even having a basketball conversation?’

Marbury, who retired in 2018 after stints with Suns, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics and earned two NBA All-Star selections, did not hesitate to declare Michael Jordan as the greatest player in basketball history. However, he also made it clear that LeBron James does not belong in the same category.

“LeBron James is the best all-around player this game will ever see. There won’t be anyone like him,” Marbury recognized and recognized James’ exceptional skills. “But he’ll never be better than Michael Jordan. I’m sorry.”

Stephon Marbury #5 of the USA points in the men’s basketball opening game against Puerto Rico on August 15, 2004 during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics at the Helliniko Olympic Complex Indoor Arena in Athens, Greece. Puerto Rico won 92-73.

LeBron and Marbury’s troubled past

Stephon Marbury has criticized LeBron James on multiple occasions, and it seems the Lakers’ star is aware of it. During the gold medal celebration at Olympics in Paris 2024fans quickly noticed the tension between the two. As Marbury entered the court to congratulate Team USAhe spoke along Stephen Currybut after that, LeBron seemed to deliberately ignore him, sparking speculation about their strained relationship.

Marbury seized the moment to strike back, targeting LeBron’s selection as tournament MVP. “They gave the MVP to the wrong player,” he noted, hinting at a lapse in decision. “Maybe they called out the wrong name by accident.”

Marbury then argued who really deserved the credit. “I think we need to rewind the moment when Curry showed himself to be the best shooter to ever touch the ball. In international basketball, if you can’t shoot, you can’t have the ball at the end of the game.”

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LeBron’s legacy stands strong

Despite these remarks, it’s clear that Marbury acknowledges LeBron James’ monumental impact on basketball. While he may not place LeBron above Jordan on his personal rankings, Marbury didn’t shy away from acknowledging James’ place in the elite ranks of NBA history, calling him the “best all-around player” the game has ever seen.

Beyond any personal differences or debates about individual rankings, it is undeniable that LeBron James has left an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history is secure regardless of where he stands in the ongoing GOAT conversation.