Los Angeles Lakers: Why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the real basketball GOAT
By Jason Reed
The debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan as the greatest of all-time is popular right now. However, everyone seems to be forgetting about Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Not LeBron James. Not Michael Jordan. The greatest basketball player of all-time is Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The debate between King James and MJ is a popular one around this time of year. Every April-June, NBA fans witness LeBron James kick it into another gear and carry the Cavaliers to an NBA Finals. This year is no different and is perhaps his most impressive; LeBron is averaging 41.7 minutes per game alongside 34.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists.
Were this to happen in the late 80s, James would have been instantly tagged the greatest basketball player of all-time. He had the all-around play of Magic Johnson and the efficiency and dominance of Larry Bird.
But instead, LeBron James has played his entire career in the shadow of Michael Jordan, who was the game’s biggest superstar in the sports most popular time. Jordan epitomized superstardom. He never lost in the Finals, he rarely even looked human.
Naturally, the debate between the two superstars has grown and has become more contested as LeBron adds to his resume. However, the debate between who really is the GOAT is much more complex than a two-sided coin.
In fact, there is a case to be made that neither Jordan or James is the greatest basketball player of all-time. It is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. And here is why.