LeBron James is on the verge of yet another milestone in his illustrious career. This season, Lebron could become the first player in NBA history to surpass 50K total points across regular season, playoff, and other NBA competitions. With over 48,500 points already to his name, LeBron has long since passed the 40,000 regular-season points mark, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record in the process. But as he continues to rewrite the record books, the debate over whether he’s the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) remains as contentious as ever.
In a recent video on TikTok, former NBA star and 2013 Dunk Contest winner Terrence Ross added fuel to the fire, declaring LeBron as the true GOAT, placing him above Michael Jordan—a stance that’s sure to ruffle feathers among Jordan’s loyal fanbase.
“LeBron is literally, to me now, he’s the GOAT,” Ross said. “I don’t know how you put Jordan over him. If Jordan had done what he was doing for 20 years, maybe. But LeBron has been at a peak his entire career.”
Terence Ross on why LeBron deserved Olympics MVP and why he’s the GOAT over MJ 🔥 pic.twitter.com/S11u02ewFl
— 🎭 (@MaskedInLA) September 10, 2024
Ross’s comments came in the wake of LeBron’s incredible run with Team USA during the pre-Olympic friendlies for the 2024 Paris Games, and his analysis underscores a growing sentiment that LeBron’s longevity and sustained excellence may push him past Jordan in the all-time rankings.
LeBron James has not only been an elite player for the entirety of his career, but he has maintained that level for an unprecedented amount of time. Entering his 22nd season, James is still playing at a level that puts him among the league’s top stars, even as many of his peers have retired or faded from the spotlight.
Comparatively, Michael Jordan’s two retirements and returns to the game have long been a sticking point in the GOAT debate. Ross points out that Jordan’s second return to the NBA, with the Washington Wizards, showed a diminished version of the player that had dominated in the 90s. LeBron, however, has avoided any significant dips in his performance, continuing to be a game-changer well into his late 30s.
Jordan’s defenders will always point to his six NBA championships, but even that argument has started to lose weight. LeBron, with four championships, continues to reach the Finals despite playing in an era of superteams and a much more competitive NBA. His adaptability, both in terms of his playstyle and his physical conditioning, sets him apart from other legends who saw significant declines in their final years.
LeBron James’s inclusion on Team USA’s Olympic roster for the 2024 Paris Games reignited the conversation around his dominance, even as he nears the end of his career. After the disappointing performance of the 2023 FIBA World Cup team, LeBron joined forces with fellow superstars Steph Curry and Kevin Durant for a shot at Olympic gold. Not only did he lead the team to an undefeated record in the tournament, but his game-winner against South Sudan and clutch performances against Australia further solidified his status as the team’s leader.
In the eyes of Terrence Ross, LeBron was the clear MVP of the tournament, even though Steph Curry’s shooting in the last two games was undeniably impressive. Ross emphasized that without LeBron, Curry wouldn’t have had the space to get his shots off, crediting James with anchoring the team’s offense and defense throughout the Olympics.
“LeBron was the best player in the entire Olympics, bro,” Ross said. “Curry did his thing, but LeBron literally put that team on his back.”
Ross’s remarks echo the sentiments of many who have watched LeBron continue to defy the laws of aging. While Curry’s shooting ability is unmatched, LeBron’s ability to control the pace of the game and deliver in the most crucial moments is what makes him invaluable, even in his 22nd season.
The argument between LeBron James and Michael Jordan for the GOAT title is as old as it is heated. Jordan’s fans frequently cite his perfect 6-0 Finals record and his unmatched killer instinct as reasons he should remain atop the all-time list. However, LeBron’s supporters, like Terrence Ross, point to his longevity, all-around game, and versatility as reasons why he may have already surpassed Jordan.
LeBron’s ability to lead teams of varying talent levels to the Finals—nine times in ten years—has no real comparison. While Jordan dominated with the Chicago Bulls and their legendary supporting cast, LeBron has won championships with three different franchises, further showcasing his adaptability.
Critics will argue that LeBron’s Finals losses tarnish his legacy, but the fact that he has consistently carried teams to the championship stage is a feat in itself. And now, with a shot at 50K career points, the final piece of LeBron James’ résumé may soon fall into place.
As LeBron James edges closer to the 50K points milestone, the GOAT debate is bound to intensify. His supporters argue that no player in NBA history has achieved the level of sustained excellence that LeBron has, while his detractors cling to the golden age of Jordan’s six championships.
However, one thing is becoming clear: LeBron’s longevity and ability to remain an elite player well into his late 30s might be the factor that finally tips the scales in his favor. Whether or not fans agree with Terrence Ross’s assessment, LeBron James is on the cusp of basketball immortality, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
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