Why LeBron James Should Never Be Mentioned With Kobe Bryant And Michael Jordan
In a world where the word GOAT is thrown around like dirty laundry, LeBron James may have given up his claim to be mentioned with the greats. No matter how you slice it, the NBA is still an individual-based league. From scoring titles to MVPs, it’s all on one man. But to be compared to the best that has ever played like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Bill Russell and others, one also has to win. So far, LeBron has failed to do so.
He has been named MVP, led the league in scoring, been named All-Defensive Team and more, but when it comes to being the best on the court where it matters most, he doesn’t belong in the GOAT conversation. As much as I’ve harped on this over the years, it really hit Friday night in Game 4 of the NBA Finals that LeBron will never be like Jordan, Kobe or Tim Duncan.
How do you as a leader of a team and supposedly GOAT, only attempt 13 shots in an elimination game in the NBA Finals?
There would be no way Michael Jordan would let the outcome of this game fall into the hands of Kevin Love, J.R. Smith or anyone else with the same uniform. These are the moments where the cream-of-the-crop rises to the top. LeBron gave up on his team. I’ve read in sports groups this morning that he wanted to prove that he needed help so he did less just to make a point. Really? Is that what he was doing? Why? Why would any player with his skill level and title of ‘King’ do anything remotely stupid like that?
We’re talking ‘Flu Games’, playing with injuries and being one of the most predictable sound guys to ever play and yet, no one can stop them from winning. Jordan went 6-0 in the Finals. Kobe 5-2, and Duncan 5-1. So how does a player with a 3-6 record make it to the table with these three players? He doesn’t belong there and by fans constantly trying to place him at the table, it’s an insult to the game of basketball. No, being the GOAT is not all about championships but it’s the main ingredient.
Averaging 30 points per game in the regular season is not important. The game is played to win a title, otherwise, why play? This is what the LeBron fans seem to forget. In the back of their mind, they have to know but are afraid to admit it– he’s a loser. Yes, he has three rings but he’s never been the leader of those teams. Duncan had Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen, and Kobe had Shaquille O’Neal. This is all true, no one has one a title by himself, however, each player mentioned was the leader of those teams. When Shaq left, Kobe managed to win two more by leading a team with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. This was LeBron’s chance to seize the crown and he failed, yet again.
Game 4 was his chance to get his team back in it in front of his home crowd and he took 13 shots. Can you imagine Jordan, Kobe or Duncan just attempting 13 shots in an important game like this? They would be crucified by media, fans, and teammates. LeBron just didn’t seem to care about the outcome. While he did play well during the Finals, he vanished when his team needed him most. I’m sorry, but GOATS don’t do that. They go down swinging, not making excuses about some mysterious injury he suffered after Game 1.
LeBron James Will Never Be On the Same Level As Kobe Bryant And Michael Jordan
Nine NBA Finals is a great feat, but his record is just embarrassing. It’s one thing to lose but losing three to the same team (Warriors) then losing two to another (Spurs) is awful. There was a time when the NBA was marketing a LeBron James and Kobe Bryant Finals. Kobe did his part and got his team there but LeBron never could. The focus then shifted to LeBron vs Stephen Curry for two years and they spilt. Then it was LeBron vs Kevin Durant for two and Durant has won both times. Where does that scream GOAT?
Do you think Jordan or Kobe were going to let the same team beat them multiple times in the games’ biggest stage? Not happening. LeBron James is a great player, no doubt. But to put him ahead of Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan is absurd. He’s no longer in the discussion.
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Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
