Michael Jordan’s claim to the GOAT label is one that is ridden with his impressive performances in NBA finals, with Jordan always rising to the occasion during clutch situations.
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While a lot of players have comparable statistics to Jordan in terms of points, assists and rebounds; not a lot of them even come close to Jordan’s 6-0 record in NBA finals.
Jordan’s ability to rise to the occasion during the most important stages of the season separates him for the rest and elevates him to the label of ‘The GOAT’.
But who do you think is next in line in the ‘GOAT debate’.
Cannot. Wait. 😳
"The Last Dance," a 10-part documentary series will chronicle Michael Jordan and the 1990s Chicago Bulls, one of the greatest icons and most successful dynasties in sports history, will debut on ESPN in 2020. pic.twitter.com/B72ljh5GbE
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 25, 2018
Greatest career Michael Jordan🐐
Most well rounded Lebron James🐐
Most skilled Kobe Bryant🐐
Most dominant Shaquille O'Neal🐐
Best play maker Magic Johnson🐐
Best player pound for pound AI🐐
Best shooter Stephen Curry🐐
Best defender Dennis Rodman🐐— Lakers Stan (@Playboy_Laker) December 25, 2018
Two of the greatest players of this generation, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James could be next in line for the title of the GOAT.
And Michael Jordan has already picked sides, confirming that it would have to Kobe Bryant for him, as he has won more titles than LeBeon.
While LeBron is largely conspired as the most all-round player of this generation, Kobe Bryant has more rings to his name, something that is considered greater by Michael Jordan.
Jordan himself boasts of an envious NBA finals record and hence it is no surprise that he decided to go ahead with Kobe instead of LeBron.
Kobe has won 5 NBA titles, which is more than the NBA titles won by LeBron, something that Jordan feels is good enough to keep Kobe ahead of LeBron in the ‘GOAT debate.
According to Michael Jordan, the only person in history who could ever beat him one-on-one is Kobe Bryant, but "only because he steals all my moves."
— UberFacts (@UberFacts) December 23, 2018
Thus, when Jordan was asked if he would place LeBron over Kobe, he came up with a firm no and gave his reasons for the same.
“Would I rank LeBron over Kobe in terms of best of all time? No.
“There’s something about 5 that beats 3.
“Now he may be better than that, but Kobe won five championships. LeBron won three.” Jordan said.
“In terms of dominance in the game of basketball at this stage, it’s LeBron. Championship wise, it’s Kobe.” he added.
While LeBron has the better personal statistics, he has been unable to guide his teams to NBA title, having a 3-6 record in NBA finals.
LeBron has been brilliant in taking his teams to the NBA finals, often doing all of the work himself, but during the finals, he has always run into well-rounded teams, one’s that haven’t allowed LeBron to add to his 3 NBA titles.
For as long as the GOAT debate goes on, LeBron could get pushed down the pecking order, largely because of his NBA finals record, one that shows that maybe LeBron wasn’t as great as he actually was during crunch situations.
