"They're just anti-LeBron" - Gilbert Arenas throws Drake & Usain Bolt in mix to spice up Michael Jordan vs LeBron James GOAT debate
Gilbert Arenas gave another viewpoint on the never-ending GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Arenas even brought up personalities like Grammy Award-winning rapper Drake and GOAT sprinter Usain Bolt to the mix to spice things up a bit.
On Vlad TV, Arenas discussed a bunch of topics, including the GOAT debate. The former NBA All-Star explained that real MJ fans, as well as Kobe Bryant fans, don't care about LeBron's legacy and that those who try to discredit the four-time champ are just pure haters.
"These people aren't fans of Michael Jordan or fans of Kobe. They're just anti- LeBron fans, which means your whole page is to talk sh*t about him. A real Jordan fan does not give two sh*ts about LeBron James or Kobe. It's all Michael Jordan," Arenas said.
Gilbert Arenas pointed out that if LeBron James is really hated by a lot of people, he won't get a lot of votes in the All-Star Game or would sell a lot of jerseys. Arenas mentioned Drake, who he thinks is just being disliked right now.
"I can't say LeBron is hated. You can't be number one in votes to number one in jersey sales every year if you're hated. ... Nobody hates Drake. You just dislike him today right because it's popular," Arenas said.
The "No Chill Gil" podcast host added that if people really don't care about the No. 2 in GOAT debates. He pointed out that people know Usain Bolt is a GOAT but nobody talks about the No. 2. He said:
"Usain Bolt is the fastest man in the world. I don't see Usain Bolt fans talking about whoever the f*ck is number two. They don't care. Who's number two? It don't matter. They're not being mentioned."
Michael Jordan's honest opinion on the GOAT debate
In an interview with Cigar Aficionado in 2017, Michael Jordan was asked about his take on the GOAT debate. Jordan said that he doesn't believe in the debate because it's unfair to the legends who played before him and after him.
"I never played against Wilt Chamberlain. I never played against Jerry West. To now say that one's greater than the other is being a little bit unfair. ... I won six championships, Bill Russell won 11. Does that make Bill Russell better than me or make me better than him? No, because we played in different eras," Jordan said.
Jordan is still considered the GOAT by many although LeBron James is creeping up on him very closely.
As the debate continues for years to come, MJ's influence in pop culture with his shoes will likely outshine his basketball career. Nevertheless, there's never going to be a right or wrong answer, especially if you ask the real fans of "His Airness" and "King James."