NBA
NBA GOAT Debate: Jordan, LeBron, Kobe, & Others
Find out who stands out in the GOAT debate between Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.
Image Credits: Nacer Talel/NBAE via Getty Images
NBA GOAT Debate: Jordan, LeBron, Kobe, & Others
In basketball, “GOAT” is an acronym for the Greatest of All Time. It is used to refer to the player who is considered the best in the history of basketball and whose legacy transcends eras. Certain components contribute to a player being titled the GOAT:
Championships and Finals MVPs
These factors influence the criteria for determining the GOAT as they are a critical element in distinguishing the influence of the player at the grandest stage. Championships refer to the number of NBA Titles a player has accumulated in his career. On the other hand, a Finals MVP refers to an award given to the most outstanding player in the NBA Finals series. The award is decided by a panel of eleven media members, who cast votes after the conclusion of the NBA Finals. The person with the highest number of votes wins the award. The more Championships and Finals MVPs, the greater the chance of the player becoming the GOAT.
Career statistics (points, assists, rebounds, etc.)
Also, to be considered the GOAT, a player’s career statistics must stand out from his peers, demonstrating his dominance on the basketball court. The overall statistics and statistical averages for a player throughout his career are normally broken down into two: the seasonal statistics and the overall statistics that accumulate the total body of work. Normally, there are five major statistical averages, and they include points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
Longevity and consistency
Longevity and consistency are important in determining the GOAT in the sense that if a player plays for a lengthier timeframe while putting in consistent dominant performances, it sets a degree of excellence that is very rare to replicate. For example, a player may dominate for fifteen seasons at an All-NBA level. If you consider that most NBA careers are less than seven years, the said player has separated himself from the norm and entered into a rare greatness level.
Impact on the game (legacy and influence)
Impact on the game refers to the reputation a player leaves behind once it’s all said and done. While legacy often incorporates accolades, championships, and individual accomplishments of a player, it, in most cases, extends beyond it to accommodate iconic moments and memorable performances.
Influence, on the other hand, denotes the impact a player has had on the game, whether through changing the game, popularizing the game, or inspiring the new generations to pick up the game. It is critical as it factors in the relationships and connections made with fans, media, and the global community.
The criteria are critical in determining the GOAT as it is truly the greatest players that leave behind a lasting impact and reputation on fans, peers, and the ever-evolving game of basketball.
Clutch performances
This is a player’s ability to excel in making impactful, timely plays during critical and high-pressure moments that, in most cases, occur in the final stages of a close, tight-nicked game.
This aspect is vital in determining the GOAT as it demonstrates the player’s ability to separate from his peers by demonstrating exceptional skills and decision-making under pressure.
GOAT Comparison Table
| Player | Michael Jordan | LeBron James | Kobe Bryant | Kareem Abdul- Jabber | Magic Johnson |
| Championships | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
| MVP’s | 5 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| Finals MVP | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Points per Game | 30.1 | 27.1 | 25.0 | 24.6 | 19.5 |
| Assists per Game | 5.2 | 7.4 | 4.7 | 3.6 | 11.2 |
| Rebounds per Game | 6.3 | 7.5 | 5.2 | 11.2 | 7.2 |
| Most Iconic Moment | “Flu Game, 1998 Final Shot” | “3-1 Comeback in 2016 Finals” | “81-point game vs. Raptors” | “Skyhook dominance” | “42-point Finals game as a rookie” |
Top Contenders in the GOAT Debate
The following are the leading contenders of the GOAT debate:
Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, 1984–2003)
Michael Jordan has numerous career achievements to his name. Jordan is a six-time NBA champion, a five-time NBA MVP, a six-time Finals MVP, and a 15-time NBA All-Star. He is the Goat scorer in the history of the game as he amassed ten scoring titles in his 15 seasons in the NBA.
Jordan averaged 30.1 points per game in the regular season and 33.4 points per game in the playoffs. He was a defensive mastermind as showcased by his nine first-team All-NBA defensive selections as well as the 1988 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Air Jordan’s basketball peak is unmatched; he was the undisputed alpha whenever he graced the court. Jordan was undefeated in the NBA Finals with a perfect 6-0 record and was the leader of the Chicago Bulls, which had two three-peats in a decade.
Jordan was the first global NBA star who paved the way for other athletes to build brands that have dominated sports and pop culture. He is credited with popularizing basketball across borders. Many modern athletes have borrowed his business acumen tendencies and tried to establish brands of their own.
LeBron James (Cleveland, Miami, LA Lakers, 2003–Present)
LeBron James is a generational talent who exceeded the expectations placed on his shoulders before entering the league. He is the GOAT player in terms of longevity as he has been able to sustain a level of consistency for the longest period, in the process of redefining the limits of a modern athlete.
LeBron is a four-time NBA Champion, a four-time Finals MVP, a four-time League MVP, and the All-time leading scorer in NBA history. He is the statistical GOAT, a feat he has been able to achieve due to his unmatched commitment to the game for over 22 seasons and counting.
LeBron has achieved this by incorporating modern-day sports science and technology with a rigid, disciplined routine. James has partnered with fitness technology companies that have invented new techniques that maximize the longevity of players. He uses advanced technology like hyperbaric and red-light chambers while reportedly spending $1.5 million a year on biohacking.
LeBron is one of the smartest players the NBA has ever seen, and he is blessed with a basketball IQ that few can boast of. His size, speed, and athleticism have enabled him to be an elite defender who can guard all five positions on the court.
Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers, 1996–2016)
Kobe Bryant was one of the fiercest competitors to have ever played in the NBA. He was a student of the game who incorporated an unmatched work ethic and is the pioneer of the Mamba mentality.
A lifelong Laker, the “Black Mamba” was a cerebral nightmare on the basketball court, capable of breaking down even opponents with his sheer will case in point is the 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors on January 22nd, 2006. Kobe dominated the Raptors and led his team to a 122-104 victory. His points tally is the second most in NBA history, with only Wilt Chamberlin’s 100-point game being more impressive.
Kobe is a five-time NBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and a one-time league MVP. Throughout his 20 seasons in the league, he tallied 18 All-Star selections and 12 All-Defensive selections.
Other GOAT Contenders
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabber’s dominance in the NBA spanned nearly two decades, with his six championships being a testament to this. He has the most MVPs ever, six, and was part of one of the most electrifying dynasties to have graced the NBA. He was the captain and centerpiece for the “Showtime Lakers”. - Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is arguably the greatest point guard to have played in the NBA. He revolutionized the position with his dynamic playmaking ability and unique blend of size and skill. His competitive edge was the stuff of legends, and his basketball IQ was a game-changer in the 1980s. - Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain was the pioneer giant of the game. He was blessed with athleticism, speed, and skills that were far ahead of his time, enabling him to be a statistical monster, with his dominance in the 1960s often compared to fictional myths. Some of the records he claimed will never be broken. Wilt is the only player in NBA history to have a 100-point game that set the single-game scoring record. It came in an impressive 169-147 victory by the Philadelphia Warriors over the New York Knicks on March 2nd, 1962. - Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is the most dominant and athletic big man to have ever played in the NBA. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism was unheard of. O’Neal was a physical behemoth, standing at 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, capable of sprinting coast to coast and finishing with a dunk. He was unguardable, despite playing in the most physical era in the NBA.
Key Arguments for Each GOAT Contender
These arguments justify the positions occupied by the GOAT contenders.
Michael Jordan
Although Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA, he recorded unmatched accolades that stand out from the chasing pack. He also was the undisputed alpha in all the teams he played for and has never tasted defeat in the NBA finals. Jordan is also the most dominant scorer among the contending GOATs, and his global legacy impact is unparalleled.
LeBron James
LeBron James is the most complete basketball player in NBA history. His physical gifts, coupled with his basketball IQ, have never been seen before. LeBron has had the longest peak, as he is currently playing at an All-NBA level deep into his 22nd season. James is also the career stats GOAT, a feat enabled by his sustained level of excellence at the very top. At his current pace, he is destined to average a career triple-double.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is one of the best clutch performers in the history of the NBA. He possessed the best footwork due to his earlier experience playing soccer in Italy at an early age. He replicated Jordan’s game, much to the detriment of his era. Kobe played in an era that was very skillful as well as physical, and he dominated as its best player.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem played for 20 seasons in the NBA, an incredibly long time that saw him claim six MVPs and a championship. He boasted the most unguardable move in NBA history, the unstoppable skyhook that enabled him to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a record he held for over 40 years until LeBron broke it. Kareem also had major gains as a social activist championing race equality and an end to oppression.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is the best passer the NBA has ever seen. He is the ultimate playmaker who played the game with a flair that is hard to come by. Magic was electric and flamboyant, and he oozed class and superstardom in and out of the court. He transformed the point guard position with leadership and style of play, coupled with an unselfish style of play that brought the best out of his teammates. Magic was the co-captain for the 1992 Team USA “Dream Team”, a testament to his elite leadership and confidence.
What the GOAT Debate Comes Down To
Rings vs. Longevity: Jordan won 6 titles in 13 seasons, while LeBron has played 20+ seasons
If rings are taken into consideration, Jordan is the GOAT, as he amassed six championships as the leader and go-to guy for the Chicago Bulls. Kareem also won six titles, but he was not the alpha in four of his six titles but rather the second option.In the case of longevity, LeBron is by far the GOAT, as he has played at a consistent level for 22 seasons and counting. He is still considered among the top ten players in the league even after turning 40 years old, and his dominance hasn’t shown signs of regressing as he continues to evolve and add to his skill sets.
Impact vs Versatility: Jordan dominated an era, while LeBron plays all positions
Jordan’s impact will hardly be surpassed. He dominated for an entire decade and was regarded as the unanimous best player until he won his sixth championship. He is a cultural icon who struck fear even among his peers.
On the other end, LeBron dominated the court like no one had done before. His skillset has enabled him to play all five positions on the court at an All-NBA level. LeBron has blended God-given attributes with hard work, humility and passion to achieve a body of work that cannot be mimicked.
Clutch Factor vs Career Stats: Kobe and Jordan had legendary clutch moments, while Kareem dominated statistically
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant simply had the clutch gene. They were never afraid of the moment and worked extremely hard to replicate those clutch moments in game situations. In this regard, they are the GOATs.On the other hand, Kareem and LeBron’s statistical dominance makes them stand out. Simply put, their numbers do all the talking and will live long in the record books of basketball.
Conclusion: Who is the GOAT?
Championships are a sure way of determining the GOAT. However, one has to be the reason his team won rather than being part of the process of winning. Career statistics and longevity are also critical in determining the GOAT as they highlight the sustained level of excellence that separates them from their peers.
Accolades are essential since they showcase the individual dominance of the GOAT player. The Clutch factor is important for showcasing the GOAT player’s mentality to handle adversity in the biggest stage of them all.
Impact tells the story of who captured the imagination of fans, peers, and the general NBA audience. Versatility is slightly important since it shows the ability of the GOAT player to adapt to his game while retaining his dominance over his challengers.
In the case of who is the GOAT, it all depends on the balance of all the mentioned factors and personal preference, which is at times biased to a person’s liking. This is the reason why this debate will always be polarizing. Factor this: Mount Everest is the highest mountain on earth; if one chooses to go with the highest peak in the GOAT debate, then Michael Jordan is the GOAT as his peak was the best to have ever existed by a basketball player.
On the other hand, the Himalayan Mountains have the longest mountain ranges in the world. If you factor in who has had the longest peak, LeBron is by far the GOAT, as he is continuing to break into unchartered territories of dominance while defying Father Time.
These five Icons of the game have left highlight-upon-highlight reels, with documentaries and movies signifying their influence on the beautiful game of basketball.
Basketball enthusiasts, sports analysts, and casual NBA fans can have their say on their preference on this raging GOAT debate by viewing Jordan’s masterful finals dominance and competitiveness; LeBron’s countless buzzer-beaters, dunks, and ever-evolving basketball IQ; Kobe’s Mamba mentality and clutch gene; Kareem’s dominant Skyhook and longevity, and Magic’s leadership and flair.
Ian Mugo Wanyeki is based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a sports enthusiast with vast knowledge of different sport disciplines. Ian is a graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Kenyatta University. He is a Kenyan journalist who’s worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, as a sports reporter at NTV and as a Sports Correspondent/contributor at Quartz Africa.