The NBA GOAT debates are never-ending. There are many candidates that fans believe are GOATs in the league. However, the ones that are often mentioned are greats like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and the late Kobe Bryant. Given that, American journalist Bomani Jones does not agree with this. He felt there was a larger-than-life characteristic separating the three great players.
Jones shared an intriguing take on the 3 NBA legends. Jones made a huge claim regarding James in a recent appearance on the Gil’s Arena. According to Jones, Jordan and Bryant have a completely different mentality to that of James’. He also opened up on how the three legends think and react in big games against star players.
I feel like the difference between Mike [Jordan], Kobe [Bryant] and LeBron [James], LeBron likes winning. Michael Jordan likes beating people… He wants to beat people like he is a sociopath… I don’t think LeBron is built in that way. Kobe’s the same way. He wants you to lose one on one. It’s not so much about winning as much as ‘I want to beat this person that is directly across me.’
Bomani Jones via Gil’s Arena
Additionally, the co-host of the podcast, Keynon Martin, seemingly agreed to Jones’ take. The journalist does have a point, as Jordan and Bryant were big-time trash-talkers during their playing days. They enjoyed intimidating their opposition on the court, unlike LeBron James. Their playoff performances speak for themselves.
The criticism toward James ‘not built that way’ may have risen from how he couldn’t stop the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 Finals. In regards to the one-on-one comment, ‘King James’ has always prioritized team play over individual mastery. As such, there remains a huge difference between James and the other two.
Gilbert Arenas had a different take regarding LeBron James and Michael Jordan
Just a few weeks before Bomani Jones’ take, Gilbert Arenas shared an interesting take on LeBron James and Michael Jordan on the Above the Rim Podcast. Arenas is known for his controversial and unique opinions in and around the NBA. Also, his take regarding the two NBA legends was nothing different. However, this time around, he sided with the Los Angeles Lakers legend, berating Jordan on the podcast.
You take away all the (n-word ) that’s over 60 years old speaking on TV. They will bring up Michael Jordan because he’s not real today. He’s real like we know who he is but the only people who bring him up is when LeBron James’ name gets mentioned.
Gilbert Arenas said on the Above The Rim Podcast
Given that, Jordan and James are of two different eras. The two stars have had illustrious careers in the NBA, with both winning multiple NBA titles. Hence, fans as well as experts choose to debate over one another. However, the GOAT debate depends on one’s opinions and views as these types of debates will always be controversial.
