Doc Rivers believes Michael Jordan is the “greatest of all time”, but LeBron James has the “greatest career”

Doc Rivers issued a thoughtful response when asked about LeBron James' NBA career. The Philadelphia 76ers coach said James would go on to have the greatest career in NBA history, but also mentioned that Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time.

Here's what Rivers said ahead of the Sixers' road game against the LA Lakers on Sunday (via Dave McMenamin):

"I think he’s going to have the greatest career of all time. I think he’s already had it. And that’s not … I think Michael [Jordan] is the greatest of all time, but that doesn’t take anything away from LeBron. LeBron’s had the greatest career."

James will likely pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record this season. He is currently 364 points away from achieving the milestone. This has further fueled the GOAT debate between him and Jordan. James doesn't have the same number of MVPs or championships as Jordan, but breaking the scoring record helps his case to a great extent.

Dave McMenamin

@mcten

Doc Rivers on LeBron James: “I think he’s going to have the greatest career of all time. I think he’s already had it. And that’s not … I think Michael [Jordan] is the greatest of all time, but that doesn’t take anything away from LeBron. LeBron’s had the greatest career”

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Doc Rivers on LeBron James: “I think he’s going to have the greatest career of all time. I think he’s already had it. And that’s not … I think Michael [Jordan] is the greatest of all time, but that doesn’t take anything away from LeBron. LeBron’s had the greatest career”

However, several factors come into play when determining the GOAT, making this one of the most difficult sports debates. LeBron James and Michael Jordan played in different eras, and they played and viewed the game differently.

Doc Rivers' assessment of LeBron James having the greatest career could be widely accepted

LeBron James came into the league as an 18-year-old with heavy expectations. He was labeled the "chosen one" and the heir to Michael Jordan's throne. James also had to shoulder the responsibility of changing the fortunes of a struggling franchise as a teenager.

James was well aware of the situation, but at no point did he crack under that pressure. He seemed to have a strong mentality which only developed as his career progressed. Many blue-chip prospects who were expected to be great failed to live up to the hype with far less pressure than James had to endure.

LeBron James complemented his on-court greatness by maintaining great conduct off it. At no point did he find himself in the middle of a controversy that hampered his image on the court. James also used his platform for the good of his community, giving thousands of people the opportunity to excel.

He sustained that for 20 years in the league, which is an incredible feat. This is a testament to him having the greatest NBA career of all time, so Doc Rivers may not be far off in his assessment of James' greatness and importance to the game.

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