LeBron James has done it again. The legendary NBA superstar has once again made history, becoming the first player ever to score 50,000 total points in both regular season and playoffs combined. This incredible feat has left fans and experts in awe, with some even claiming that it’s time to put an end to the never-ending debate of who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in basketball. And one of those people is none other than the controversial pundit, Stephen A. Smith.
On Wednesday’s edition of First Take, Smith boldly declared that it’s time to retire the debate of LeBron James vs Michael Jordan and crown James as the undisputed GOAT. This statement has caused quite a stir in the basketball world, with fans and analysts alike weighing in on the debate.
Smith’s argument is simple – no one has ever been as good as LeBron James. And he has a point. James has been dominating the NBA for almost two decades now, and he shows no signs of slowing down. He has won four NBA championships, four MVP awards, and has been selected to the All-Star team 17 times. He has also broken numerous records and is currently ranked third on the all-time scoring list, behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.
But it’s not just his impressive stats that make James stand out. It’s his impact on the game and the way he has revolutionized it. James is a complete player, excelling in every aspect of the game. He can score, rebound, pass, and defend at an elite level, making him a nightmare for opponents to guard. He has also shown incredible leadership skills, leading his teams to victory time and time again.
But what sets James apart from other players is his consistency. He has been performing at a high level for almost two decades, something that is unheard of in the NBA. He has been the face of the league for years and has never disappointed. Even at 36 years old, he continues to defy age and show that he is still one of the best players in the league.
Of course, the argument for Michael Jordan being the GOAT is still strong. Jordan is considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time, and for good reason. He won six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and was selected to the All-Star team 14 times. He also has a perfect record in the NBA Finals, something that James cannot claim.
But Smith argues that Jordan’s perfect record in the Finals is not enough to outweigh James’ overall impact on the game. He also points out that Jordan had a strong supporting cast, including Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Phil Jackson, while James has had to carry many of his teams on his own.
While the debate between James and Jordan will continue to rage on, there is no denying that James has solidified his place in NBA history. He has achieved things that no other player has, and he continues to add to his legacy with each passing game. And as Smith argues, it’s time to stop comparing him to Jordan and start appreciating him for the incredible player he is.
In conclusion, LeBron James’ latest milestone of 50,000 total points is just another testament to his greatness. His impact on the game and his consistent dominance make him a strong candidate for the title of GOAT. And while the debate may never truly be settled, it’s time to give credit where credit is due and recognize James as one of the greatest players to ever grace the basketball court.