"Greatest basketball player to ever play" - NBA analyst declares the GOAT debate involving LeBron James and Michael Jordan is settled
On Monday, NBA analyst Jason Timpf declared that LeBron James is the greatest basketball player ever, despite Michael Jordan being the "most dominant." Speaking on the "Hoops Tonight" podcast, Timpf called the 39-year-old superstar the greatest after he secured his fourth Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics:
"If you were starting a franchise tomorrow, and you could pick any basketball player in the history of the game, from their rookie year, to lead your team, you take LeBron James 10 times out of 10. That just makes him the greatest basketball player to ever play the game," Timpf said.
In terms of Olympic gold medals, LeBron has won three (2008, 2012 and 2024) with Team USA. The four-time NBA champion also won a bronze medal in 2004.
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On the other hand, Michael Jordan won two Olympic gold medals, the first coming in 1984 and the second with the "Dream Team" in 1992. While making an argument for LeBron, the NBA analyst called the six-time NBA champion the most dominant player of his generation:
"I can't argue it anymore," Timpf said. "Is MJ the most dominant basketball player compared to his peers in his era? Yes. I don't actually think that's even a situation we could recreate with how much depth and talent there is in the league."
"But the greatest basketball player to ever play the game is LeBron James," he went on. "If this is the cherry on top of his career, it's a pretty damn good one. Aged 39, most stacked Olympic field ever [with] over 60 NBA players playing for other teams and he was MVP of the team."
Jason Timpf highlights LeBron James' sustained greatness
Timpf further credited LeBron James for always rising to the occasion in big games and consistently delivering for every team he plays on. He asserted that James is the best player to build a franchise around and lead a team.
"The longevity is extended too far. The reliably great basketball that he consistently brings every time there is a big game it's still going. I can't argue it anymore," he said.
Among the many accolades LeBron James has amassed during his illustrious two-decade career, the 20-time All-Star has added yet another to his impressive resume.
The four-time NBA Finals MVP secured the MVP award for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The LA Lakers superstar averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.3 steals in six games as Team USA went on to win their fifth consecutive men's gold medal at the Games.
The four-time league MVP made 35 of his 53 shots, including 4-of-13 from 3-point range. LeBron also became the only player in Olympic history to record a triple-double twice.