Adam Silver snubs 20x All-Star to crown Michael Jordan his personal GOAT: "Don't tell LeBron"
When it comes to the GOAT debate in the NBA, Michael Jordan and LeBron James are always front and center. Recently, one high-ranking member of the league was forced to choose between the two all-time greats.
Earlier this week, social media influencer Eric Tai had the chance to speak with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Among the key things he asked him was to pick a GOAT between Jordan and LeBron.
Without hesitation, Silver went with MJ as his greatest player of all time. He followed it up by jokingly saying not to tell the LA Lakers star that he picked "His Airness" over him.
"Michael Jordan," Silver said. "And don't tell LeBron I said that."
LeBron, a 20-time All-Star playing in his 22nd season, is still going strong over two decades into his career. Despite achieving feats like becoming the all-time leading scorer, people continue to crown the Chicago Bulls icon the GOAT.
Former NBA commissioner had different take on Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate
While Adam Silver quickly put Michael Jordan over LeBron James in the GOAT debate, his predecessor did not see it that way. Even in the early stages of his NBA career, David Stern felt LeBron was the best ever.
Back in 2009, Stern did an interview on "The $ports Take" where he talked about the two incredible talents. It was there that the then-commissioner argued that LeBron might be the best ever.
"He hasn’t won anything yet, but he may be the best player ever to descend to this planet," Stern said. "It’s a delight to watch him; it’s a delight to watch him grow, to see his width and breadth, in terms of his interest and capacities. He’s a great kid and a great player."
Stern made sure to give credit to Michael Jordan when making the comments but admitted the former Cleveland Cavaliers forward still had a long way to go.
"He may be the best player ever to have played. Michael might dispute that, but he has a lot of canvas yet on which to paint," Stern said. "I have no doubt the picture is going to be beautiful."
At the time of the interview, LeBron was gearing up for the final season of his first stint in Cleveland. He had just won his first MVP and was two years removed from taking the Cavs to the NBA Finals.
Fast forward 15 years, and Stern wasn't wrong about LeBron. He went on to win multiple MVPs and championships, solidifying himself as one of the best ever. However, many are still not ready to crown him as the NBA's GOAT over Jordan.