The Los Angeles Lakers’ season ended in disappointment as they were eliminated 1-4 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, despite high expectations.
Even with superstar teammate Luka Doncic alongside him, LeBron James once again fell short of reaching the NBA Finals, reigniting the debate about his standing in basketball history.
‘What you are doing in 20 years, MJ did in 13‘
Former Chicago Bulls player and Michael Jordan teammate Stacey King didn’t mince words when addressing LeBron’s place in the GOAT conversation.“LeBron James will go down as one of the best players who ever played. But let’s stop the GOAT debate,” King declared on his podcast, pointing to the fact that after 22 seasons, LeBron still hasn’t matched Jordan’s six championships.
King also highlighted statistical areas where LeBron trails other legends, noting he remains behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in points per game and Wilt Chamberlain in rebounds.
“What you are doing in 20 years, MJ did in 13. Let’s stop right there. You are not the GOAT, you are not going to bypass Kobe, you are not going to bypass Kareem and Wilt Chamberlain, the GOAT conversation is over,” King stated emphatically.Mount Rushmore vs. The GOAT: King draws the line
The Lakers’ early exit marks their third first-round elimination in the last four seasons, suggesting that LeBron’s window to add to his four championships may be closing rapidly as he approaches his 41st birthday later this year.
While dismissing LeBron’s claim to the greatest of all time title, King did acknowledge his legendary status, adding: “He’s a great player, he’ll be on Mount Rushmore of the greatest NBA players, and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
As LeBron’s remarkable career continues into its twilight years, this latest playoff disappointment may further cement Jordan’s position in the eyes of many fans and analysts as basketball’s undisputed greatest player of all time.
