LeBron James' GOAT status is debatable, but his "GAOAT" status isn't - Here's why
To this day, the LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan debate rages on. Even as the LA Lakers star gets ready to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, many fans still side with the Chicago Bulls icon.
While James' GOAT case is up for debate, it's hard to deny that he is the greatest athlete of all time, the GAOAT. There have been plenty of generational talents across the four major sports, but few compare to the all-around impact LeBron has had over the past two decades.
For starters, LeBron James has done things in his sport that have never been seen before.
Only nine other players have made it to their 20th season, and none have been as impactful as he is for the LA Lakers right now. At the age of 38, James is averaging an astonishing 30.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.1 assists. When he decides to call it a career, nobody will ever be able to say they were that good for that long.
Along with his impressive counting stats, LeBron James also has a mile-long list of accolades. He is a 19-time All-Star, 18-time All-NBA selection, four-time champion, four-time Finals MVP, four-time MVP, one-time scoring champion, one-time assist champion and Rookie of the Year.
To top things off, LeBron is about to become the league's all-time leading scorer either Tuesday against the OKC Thunder or Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks. James has 38,352 points, needing 36 to pass Abdul-Jabbar's iconic 38,387. Plus, he is fourth all-time in assists (10,351), with a chance to finish in the top three. He trails No. 2 Jason Kidd (12,091) and No. 3 Chris Paul (11,271), who is still active. No matter what, James is the only non-guard in the top 10.
LeBron might have blemishes in the NBA Finals, although 10 trips is an impressive total in itself, but there is no denying the dominance he's had over the last 20 years.
LeBron James' GAOAT case spans beyond the basketball court
While his on-court production is a catalyst for LeBron James being considered the greatest athlete of all time, there is more to his case. Along with being generational in his sport, he's done things with his platform that no athlete can compare to.
Like other superstars, LeBron built an empire with his brand of signature shoes in clothing line. On top of that, he's done things to try and make a real impact in the community.
Since stepping foot in the NBA, LeBron has been a great face for the league. He's never been caught in any scandals and always tries to use his platform for good. The most notable way he's done this is by speaking out on social justice issues.
By far the biggest thing LeBron James has done outside of basketball is his iPromise school. Funded by his foundation, the school helps at-risk and underprivlidged kids and families get a proper chance at getting an education. The school was founded in 2011 and is located in LeBron's hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Because of this school, kids in Akron are having opportunities come to them that would have never happened before. Plus, the school also has programs to help parents finish or further their education as well. LeBron is deeply invested in the area he came from and is doing everything in his power to help those in need.
Guys like Michael Jordan and Tom Brady might have strong cases to earn the title of GAOAT, but they come up short to LeBron. Part of being a pro athlete is being a role model to the next generation, and he's done that in a huge way. Between speaking on important issues and programs like the iPromise school, LeBron's fully maximized his platform outside of his sport.
Between his on and off-the-court success, it's hard to say if any athlete truly comes close to LeBron. Even though his career is still ongoing, it's safe to say he should be regarded as the greatest athlete of all time. That being said, until he retires, the debate between him and Jordan will continue to rage on.