‘LeBron James has not overtaken Michael Jordan’: Magic Johnson explains how Lakers star can be the GOAT

Samir Mehdi
|PublishedOct 13, 2020

LeBron James has not overtaken Michael Jordan': Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson believes LeBron James isn’t the GOAT as he hasn’t won as many championships as Michael Jordan.

The debate on who the greatest player in the history of the NBA has been ripe ever since LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers captured a championship in the Bubble in Game 6 against the Miami Heat.

Also read: ‘Who’s going to stop them’: Gilbert Arenas’ warning about Lakers’ LeBron James and Anthony Davis comes true

Everyone ranging from NBA analysts to NBA casuals on the internet have tried to put their own 2 cents into this debate on whether LeBron James has surpassed Michael Jordan as the GOAT.

Now, Lakers legend Magic Johnson has also come out publicly to talk about how is greater.

Magic Johnson says LeBron James still has some catching up to do

Magic Johnson appeared in an interview with Stephen A. Smith following the Lakers 2020 title win and sat down to talk about the events that have transpired in the past 48 hours.

When asked to chime in on who he believes is the GOAT, Magic said, “It’s hard to say he’s overtaken Michael Jordan at 4 championships. Once he (LeBron) wins and also repeats, then there is a good argument.”

Magic also reiterated the fact that James would have to repeat as an NBA champion to be considered equal to Michael Jordan.

Also read: ‘The Goat’s name is Michael Jordan’: Shannon Sharpe brings in live goat with LeBron James’ Lakers jersey on ‘Undisputed’

Magic congratulates the Lakers on their title win

As soon as the Los Angeles Lakers won the chip, Johnson tweeted out a congratulations message on Twitter directed towards the Lakers. He commended James for keeping his word on bringing a championship to the City of Angels.

Laker Nation, LeBron James made good on his guarantee that he would take the @Lakers to the NBA Finals and bring a championship to Lakers fans all around the world. Mission accomplished @KingJames!!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 12, 2020

The former President for Basketball Operations for the Lakers also said that the late Kobe Bryant helped recruit James to Los Angeles during 2019 free agency.

Magic Johnson says Kobe Bryant helped recruit Lebron James to the Lakers pic.twitter.com/2OXM5GrVEm

— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2BIog) October 12, 2020

Will LeBron James and the Lakers repeat next season, thereby giving ‘The King’ a better standing in the ‘GOAT debate’

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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