Michael Jordan Day debate 🚨 LeBron James is number two behind MJ! - Stephen A. Smith | First Take

Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins get into a heated debate about who the GOAT is and Stephen A. drops his top 5 Michael Jordan moments.
0:00 Kendrick Perkins says LeBron James is the greatest of all time
3:00 Stephen A. says LeBron NEVER was and NEVER has been nor will he ever be greater than MJ
6:50 Stephen A. says LeBron is number two all-time behind MJ
10:00 Stephen A. and Perk get into a heated debate about LeBron and MJ
11:20 Perk leans back on Stephen A.
12:17 Stephen's A-List: Top 5 Michael Jordan moments
17:24 Kendrick Perkins praises Stephen A.
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[@ryanshepard8625]

Watching them argue about this topic will never not be entertaining to me 😂😂😂

[@Chumbama]

You can watch them argue this topic again 2 weeks from today on MJ's 60th birthday.

[@Comedyvibes]

Jesus Loves you and wants you to accept him as your Lord and also saviour

[@Comedyvibes]

@@Chumbama Jesus Loves you and wants you to accept him as your Lord and saviour

[@ryanshepard8625]

@@Chumbama Wow, I just realized MJ turns 60 this year. Time really does fly by.

[@nanashi7779]

@@Comedyvibes I will not worship a man as God

[@MambaBreezy24]

MJ's brand is officially a sponsor in at least three different sports. That's how iconic he is. All because of his otherworldly talent.🐐

[@SupervisorMartinez]

It’s Jordan Day ! Lebron doesn’t have a day ….

[@quentinkupenga2779]

Wow

[@jdl8543]

James 🐐

[@eseaun3652]

lmao...all because the nba pushed him to make the league look good for sales. He even said it in the doc. They wanted to clean up the league and he was the savior.

[@PRo-bv1cx]

MJ just a shoes brand without PHIL PIPPEN.

[@pk6121]

Michael Jordan is way beyond an NBA player, legend, etc. People around the world know Jordan and don't even know what the NBA is. They don't even care about basketball, but still know Jordan. His fame and legacy has gone beyond the NBA and way outside of the NBA courts. He's an icon. No other player has ever reached that status. Lebron James might be famous in America now, but he's quite unknown in most places around the world. Jordan played in the 90s and he's still the topic of discussion. Jordan literally changed the game and inspired millions. His fastness, elegance in playing and his skill overall are totally unique. Lebron is very good, but he doesn't have a unique style of play. That debate is just ridiculous and there are way more players that could contend for the No2 position, such as Kobe.

[@jimbrave426]

exactly if it has to be a SG or SF which is what the media only talks about they even talk about Power Forwards and Centers like Kareem, Wilt, Robinson, O'neal, Russell, Giannis, Olajuwon and Duncan. 1. Jordan 2. Isiah 3. Magic 4. Bird 5. Pippen 6. Kobe 7. Erving 8. Barkley was a wing who played PF also 9. Penny 10. Kawhi 11. Curry 12. Durant 13. James 14. Dirk is a Wing that could play PF. 15. Drexler 16. L. Johnson 17. G. Hill 18. K. Johnson 19. Havlicek 20. Monroe

[@pk6121]

@@jimbrave426 I like this list!

[@joehristovski9480]

Jordan is the Goat ! All this media guys are sell outs ! Who stated MJ was the goat and now want to state lebron as the goat as they had to beat him to win 1 Fken chip ! They should focused on their careers and less on weed and partying and streaming live like Paul wheelchair Peiece !

[@checoPH]

Oh Please! And LEBRON IS THE BEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE NBA. LEBRON IS THE GOAT PERIOD.

[@pk6121]

@@checoPH Never has been and never will be. Only casuals who barely understand basketball and the history of the game think that Lebron is greater than Jordan

[@thescarecrow897]

there was just something magical about the 90's era basketball

[@deboldsinas6415]

Its nostalgic to you, thats it. No magic in there

[@JosephLopez-or1gg]

No it was time where hard work was praised and you deep your rewards now the nba is gimme gimme gimme lebron left CLEVELEND when he couldn’t win he gave up

[@hernandezmarkie7382]

​@@deboldsinas6415then you never watched go type in any game from the 90s on nba on NBC just a regular season game and look at the crowed the players effort Noone is load managing everyone was playing there hearts out Noone was joining super teams and they played defense on every play you obviously never watched it because it's common sense

[@Q.B.2.L.B.]

​@@deboldsinas6415watch the all star games from then compared to now.

[@renee5451]

The fact Lbj didn't show up vs. Dallas in the finals told me all I needed to know

[@davergent1521]

Agreed. Out of the GOAT debate how many of those candidates shrunk at the highest level of the NBA finals. Good making it but what good is 2nd place? A loss is a loss. Also, how many GOAT candidates needed someone like K Ivering or R Allen to bail them out at the most crucial moment? Call Lebron clutch if you want fanboys, but it was moments like R Allen saving them from the Spurs when Lebron should've took it over, but he didn't enough said.

[@masco2483]

Wasn't in his prime yet

[@MixManiac120]

The debate was over right there!! Swept in the Finals, choked in the Finals. It's over. All delusional Lebron fans do is make excuses.

[@EliDSage]

Thank you

[@brianconnery2801]

“Sometimes the others don’t live up to the hype”. Perk that was Lebron in 2011

[@patcisz3474]

6x champion, 6x finals MVP, 5x regular season MVP, DPOTY, 3x steals leader, 10x scoring champion the ultimate GOAT is Michael Jordan no debate

[@deejayjohnson3115]

Sorry baby girl if it wasn't a debate they wouldn't be talking about it so yes it is

[@the-ish-1_21]

@@deejayjohnson3115 shouldn't be a debate the bronsexuals wanna make it a debate

[@stevecordina7678]

​@DeeJay Johnson only espn be talkin

[@lindabrown2090]

MJ was and still is the G.O.A.T.🐐

[@raywilliams7266]

Absolutely without a doubt!

[@courtjestersc46]

This post could have more likes..... but it's perfect the way it is lol

[@luisomar293]

And will be the goat for a while

[@geraldtaylor8712]

Kobe is the goat 🐐

[@33johnuelpr]

what argument does he have over lebron? rings? has had a better team and faced worse competition. mvps? less competition. def a better scorer & defender but not a good rebounder or playmaker or finisher

[@Willisarnold3]

Perk already loss the argument he came in talmbout "I got Jordans on my feet"

[@cbiz1917]

Jordan is the legacy Lebron is longevity what MJ did in 15 seasons can't be ignored I have to agree with SAS on this one, LeBron has had an incredible career about to pass Kareem , but there was just something magical about MJ's game..probably never see another two players like them again

[@miatodd3236]

I like your answer! Very true

[@chrisakokoh9118]

That era was just not as talented. No guard in that league besides Jordan was talented like the players today.

[@carlosfontenotjr4418]

@@chrisakokoh9118 that’s pure BS. Also, the rules of todays game allows them to get away with a ton offensively that in the 80s, 90s you just couldn’t. Is there more talent? Absolutely. Are they better at the game of basketball, not necessarily. Fundamentally, they are actually much worse today.

[@crookedbraincrookedbrain9874]

@@carlosfontenotjr4418 illegal defense,u know what it is? There was no tactics in the 90s because of it,just isolations,the game was not better

[@212keith]

@@carlosfontenotjr4418 watered down league with expansion teams lol.

[@Shadedgray]

I live in Nigeria and know that Micheal Jordan is the only reason the NBA is known worldwide

[@patrickphuong2609]

Spell it right: Michael. As in Michael Jordan Steakhouse, Chicago & NYC. Hakeem Olajuwon, Nigeria, top 10.

[@HoopmanX]

Lol..bro I'm 🇳🇬 Nigerian too... Hakeem Olajuwon made basketball popular in Naija in the 80s!!

[@lordbayor]

@@HoopmanX thank you oo....I wanted to even ask that guy who said he is Nigerian and MJ made the game popular in Nigeria and Africa...., how old are you... I am Nigerian too and Hakeem Olajuwon made the game popular in Nigeria cos in 1995 , no musician that was not singing his name when his team Houston Rockets won the championship... Same goes to Germany, Dirk made the game popular in Germany.. I bet you Basketball is not even so followed in England like the media in USA wants you to think, until there is a star from England who is balling then you will see how people in England will follow the game.

[@Marlowe10100]

I´m from Mexico, it's clear people here still remember Jordan, even the kids because of the sneackers or I don't know. Few people know Lebron, only the hoopers, regular people don't know about him, for real.

[@jacquonf4925]

This is a lie 😂😂😂

[@yuanzhang8690]

Say all you want about Stephen A and his hot takes, but you can’t deny his enthusiasm and work ethic… I personally find him very entertaining to watch😂

[@varunshahvo-tv9854]

Bro he works 3 hrs a day

[@davidswank3510]

@@varunshahvo-tv9854 lmaooo

[@mindurbiznez651]

I like how Perkins said ,LeBron has checked all the check marks , then in the same breath saids this ain’t bout individual achievements when it came to Jordan but not to LeBron 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@milosstojanovic7143]

all of Lebrons teammates are in espn or fox etx...

[@mcmorales750]

he forgot lebron also checked the most turnovers in history

[@milosstojanovic7143]

@@mcmorales750 lebron fans forget everything except stat padding

[@Wazahatkhan1997]

Michael Jordan will always be greatest of all time it's not only about ability and achievement MJ's impact in game was incomparable

[@Bappery]

Lmaooo Lebron impact on a game ? Literally change the game

[@kris7592]

❤

[@smellykush48]

@@Bappery what did he do to change it? If anything curry was more impressionable than lebron 🤣

[@larryjames3437]

@@Bappery how did he change the game

[@Brian_nairb]

I get the impact cause the game was not as global yet and he made it global & the talent pool was not as deep as today. But then say he had the greatest impact not that he was the greatest player when one is showing that he’s better. Bron is literally the perfect basketball player that can do everything on the court, play 1-5 on both ends, lead both teams on the floor on all major stats. Only flaw is not being 80%+ free throw shooter

[@SSJRome]

ESPN has created a whole day to celebrate Michael Jordan andddd lebron James getting mentioned tells the whole story .

[@MrDoomonish]

Well if it was them it’s y’all lol. Y’all always bringing him up

[@kevincoates5066]

@@MrDoomonish folks can be talking about anything n somehow bring Lebron up,I’ve witnessed it lol

[@sonniru4522]

It’s a debate show for a reason lol no debates no show 😂😂

[@marcmoellering6619]

Usually in a negative light

[@YoSistasEx]

Bro Its 2/3/23 If LeBron Wasn't Gone Brake It This Was Gone Happen

[@crzy__]

I really don’t know why this is still an argument. MJ is literally the reason why I still have hopes and dreams of playing rugby professionally. His greatness has inspired millions globally including me! If MJ played in the league for 20 years he would’ve broke the record ages ago lol

[@69Saragoth]

Lebron is averaging the same PPG this season, as a 38 year old in his 20th season, as Michael Jordon did for his career. Lebron is better by every single basketball metric or stat, outside of surface level scoring metrics. Assists, rbds, efficiency, def, clutch % - every metric in basketball favors Lebron. The MJ argument is really simple. He was an extremely cool dude that people idolized so people consider him the GOAT with no legitimate basis for it. 6-0 in the finals is the only argument I hear, but what about the 9 other seasons in the league? MJ gets rewarded for losing before the finals 9 out of his 15 years, while Lebron gets demonized for losing in the finals. News flash, losing earlier should not be better for your legacy and this standard is only applied in the MJ v Lebron debate.

[@AceBoogie_]

Silly comment

[@crzy__]

@@69Saragoth you clearly haven’t seen the goat debate videos all over KZbin that literally walk you through why MJ is the better overall player 🤡🤡🤡

[@kendricbaines2415]

But you alike everyone else misses the point.. The question isn’t the impact or inspiration. Obviously when you are one of the first guys if not the first guy to influence the way you look at something there will always be love and appreciation for them. MJ was who everyone in his era and this era looked up to. That does not mean he won’t be surpassed. But by this logic you shared then there is no way the peak of basketball can be reached. And it’s a little wild lol. 1 man who wa“does this make sense. Most of you guys answers that support MJ isn’t based off of fact it’s based off of Nostalgia. Basketball skill and capability should be separate. 🤷🏾‍♂️ ijs.

[@thisnewnamesystemisdumb]

@Factualx So true. People also forget or exclude the level of competition each played against. Mj played against great individual players while lebron played against great teams with great players. Big difference. For anyone that wants to argue competition... what team did mj beat that was comparable to the dynasty Spurs or even the big 3.5 Celtics that lebron kept facing. Lebron has been tasked with doing EVERYTHING since he joined the league. Mj was only asked to score and defend (which he did an amazing job at). The greatest PLAYER of all time is clearly lebron. I'll gladly give mj the greatest scorer title though.

[@cyber6sapien]

Jordan's move on the Nets is still the greatest layup I've ever seen by far.

[@m2k33311]

It's the reaction of opposing player on the bench that's sitting next to 2nd pick Sam Bowie just looking.

[@jonathancalderon8178]

Creating an “MJ day” to talk about MJ a few days before Lebron breaks the all time scoring record says all we need to know

[@CyCamronAnderson]

LeBron breaking the all time scoring record is Awesome😃🥹 The Goat!! PSYCH🤣🤣🤣🥱🥴 MJ ALWAYS💪🏾 (Knuckleheads) my Charles Barkley voice🤣😂😹

[@alexking2476]

They pushing hard for lebron because he on his way out. That western conference a little tougher than he thought. Bron about to break the scoring title and they worried home boy won't sell out the stadium that night because lakers fans not about it 😂 .... that's how you know you aren't the best. The story tells itself.

[@CulEdz]

@@alexking2476 that’s why tickets going as high as 93k. Nobody wants to watch lol

[@blackhole1746]

It says absolutely nothing

[@Viewingviewer3]

@@blackhole1746 it’s says tht mj is insecure. Bron wins a ring for cle. Mj offically let’s the last dance get signed. Lebron wins 4th ring. The last dance was made available right before his 10th finals appearance. Lebron about to break Kareem’s record. Mj “day” lol. We know lebrons a better individual player

[@Panni1]

Wow this is a fresh and interesting debate I've never heard before!

[@Comedyvibes]

Jesus Loves you and wants you to accept him as your Lord and also saviour

[@juliussaavedra2400]

You’re an original bro… hahaha

[@BlaccGeezuss]

It's alil fresh between them... they need to be first take

[@phillipmoore6249]

@@Comedyvibes the first written proof of Jesus was 250 years after he died That’s like describing who George Washington is after 250 years of story

[@alexking2476]

Where have you been living?? In a dumpster?

[@adamr.kalucki4347]

Honestly, the way Jordan did it. -15 seasons with one team (Bulls) -6 championships 6 championships MVP’s -10 time scoring record -Never left the bulls in the 1980’s even though they did not go as far as they thought they would. Bron -4 teams and counting -could be argued that when things get tough, he stays a little bit and then when things get tough again, he leaves. Just the way jordan did it has to put him above lebron forever.

[@Perfection212]

MJ was 10x scoring Champion (1987-1993/1996-98) playing in an era that was no blood no foul.A feat that probably no one will ever accomplished again.We are talking here of 10 consecutive seasons!He is also the All Time Leader in Points per game.

[@MrStuntmanMic]

Debate died in 2011 but congratulations to Bron for an amazing career of longevity

[@amdude1015]

His longevity is the reason why he is better than MJ 😂. Lebron won back to back championships after 2011. He literally recovered from that

[@MrStuntmanMic]

@@amdude1015 not to me…but we have our own opinion and views

[@luminousrxk7288]

@@amdude1015 by that logic malone is a greater player than MJ because he was better for longer.

[@suntansuperman26]

@@amdude1015 Played longer but achieved less and that’s better to you?

[@kingmoney3163]

@@suntansuperman26 I mean …. Lebron has actually achieved more overall than Michael Jordan , let’s be real .

[@titomoney13]

I have never heard a person make more points against their own argument like perk! Starting with the Jordan’s on his feet! 😂

[@josephkanu2778]

Perk knows MJ is the goat.

[@obynoomere1280]

That's cold 🥶 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@robertwilson9528]

I knew he lost already saying that lol

[@obedasante3522]

lmaooooooooooooooooooooooo. I said the same thing lol. "I have Js on my feet" I almost died laughing. there's no need to continue the debate after that statement.

[@johnjones9034]

Biggest difference between them is MJ could get buckets within an offense while lebron needed the ball too much. That’s why Lebron has played with so much incredible talent and had the highest payroll in the league multiple times but never elevated a single team into the top 15 in league history for season dominance score while Jordan has FIVE teams in the top 12.

[@pochen23]

Incredible observation. To me, MJ used to do exactly what Lebron did early in his career while he would just play PG and SG at the same time racking up stats. He realized during that period that he couldn't do it like that and win consistently. So when Phil started coaching him, MJ evolved into someone who could play within the system and did not need the ball much to be effective, that's the polar opposite with players like Westbrook and Harden who need the ball the entire game to be effective. In my opinion, Lebron is still just at that level where he has not evolved. He still needs the ball 24/7 to operate. MJ in the 90s was the finest form of team basketball while still putting up staggering individual stats. Remember people used to say scoring champ don't win championships, it is still true to this day but that rule did not apply to MJ. For all that usage MJ used to have, he had bare minimum turnovers, incredible efficiency.

[@lolipopi503]

MJ has dpoy and mvp in a same season..Lebron doesnt not have.

[@muds1123]

Stephen A humiliated him 😂😂😂😂

[@checoPH]

🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@christiansoldier77]

SAS: MJ won 6 chips Kendrick Perkins : This is not an individual sport. Lebron about to be the all time leading scorer LOL

[@TheLionaaa]

Yeah, that was funny...

[@kingbalmer3810]

While being 4 in all time assist LEBRON is a scorer that can really pass the on magic type level

[@kevinabernathy6472]

You don’t understand what he is saying? Championship is a team achievement, not a individual accomplishment. Lebron holding the scoring record is the greatest individual accomplishment in the sport.

[@dereknunn2699]

@@kevinabernathy6472 pretty sure MVP is the greatest individual accomplishment in the sport

[@obynoomere1280]

🤣🤣🤣👍👍

[@keilow5500]

Perkins just said championships doesn’t define your legacy in a team sport… ITS THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF EVERY PLAYER TO BE A CHAMPION…. L take

[@rob19ny]

LeBron had a head start coming out of high school while MJ spent 3 years in college. MJ was scored 32,292 in 1,072 games. LeBron passed MJ with 1,190 games played. That's 118 more games played than MJ. MJ had 2 seasons where he played 18 and 17 games. In his 2nd season, he got injured and only played 18 games, but still averaged 22 ppg. The 17 games was when he came back at the end of the season from retirement. He averaged 26 ppg. Both season were only worth 406 and 457 points. MJ retired 2 times before finally retiring. MJ missed almost a full 5 seasons due to retirement. MJ scored 23k his 1st season. Once he came back from injury in his 3rd season, he scored 3,000 points. From then, he scored, 2,800, 2600, 2700, 2500, 2400, 2500 before his 1st retirement. The season after he came back, he scored 2400, 2400, 2300 before retiring again. Now looking at LeBron, his 1st and 2nd season was 1600 and 2100. His 3rd season was 2400. That's the highest points he scored in a season. Every season following has been below that. He's had 8 seasons scoring below 2000 points. Even if you exclude the lockout and covid, he's had 1 too many under 2000 points seasons. His numbers during his 1st stint with the Cavs are way lower than MJ's with the Bulls. MJ was putting up monster numbers. MJ had 6 straight seasons scoring between 37 to 30 points ppg before his 1st retirement. The numbers tell the story. MJ would be way over 40,000 points had he not retired. He would have been the #1 all time scorer. This is embarrassing for LeBron who got a 3 year head start on MJ. Proof that MJ is the GOAT.

[@miltongloster2334]

Facts I hate this debate. Jordan is the goat I don't see how people see otherwise. The boy was just different. Bron is good he's just not better than Jordan.

[@BrettMaverick]

If we’re gonna play the “what if’s” game… What if Bron and MJ switched positions? Bron would have at least 6 rings..

[@ScruffyWarlord]

Your arguments are typical what ifs for defending Jordan. It doesn't work that way. You cannot have your cake and eat it too.

[@ScruffyWarlord]

Rob notice how you didn't present any actually FACTS. You go by feelings. You keep saying IF Jordan had played longer. Well he didn't. That's like saying IF Lebron had Dennis Rodman and Phil Jackson as a coach blah blah blah. Enought with ambiguities. Lebron is tp 4 in all time ASSISTS. Let that sink in. The guy is primarily a pass first POINT GUARD and he still is STILL the all time leader in points scored.

[@rob19ny]

@@ScruffyWarlord ScruffyClownlord, notice how you're a mentally challenged clown that can't comprehend what you read? Oh, wait... you didn't notice because thats part of being mentally challenged.

[@joelmartinez5725]

I’m convinced perk doesn’t know about basketball!😂

[@joeagcaoili4633]

Is he?

[@Sf75178]

Jordan was 9 times all defensive first at the same time as scoring champ. That really shows how much of a beast he was on both ends. Also steals champ at the same time as scoring champ. Something that never gets mentioned. Jordan is top 5 in both totals and per game averages in both scoring and steals. Some players maybe both for one stat but not 2. Jordan took it to another level in the finals especially the first 3. 91-- average 11.4 assists per game highest for anyone not Magic. 92 - - average an impressive 42% for 3s and in game 1 shot six 3s in a half which was a record for 18 years until Ray Allen the only person to shoot more in a half 93-- average 41 points per game highest ever. Jordan has a higher peak which LeBron has not surpassed

[@khushpreetsingh5007]

92 was the year the 3 point line moved though. Jordan’s only aspect that wasn’t best in class was 3 point shooting.

[@Sf75178]

@@khushpreetsingh5007 the 3 point line was moved In 95 not 92!

[@zinjgreen3398]

@@khushpreetsingh5007 does it matter? MJ doesn't take that much 3's btw, but Lebron with team USA got 2 bronze 🥉 and they lost to a team with no NBA player

[@hugosilva3916]

I saw Mj's whole career and I saw Lebron's whole career... Lebron is better than Jordan... in a one vs one would anyone bet on Jordan to beat Lebron? lebron is bigger and stronger and has a higher IQ than jordan... and my friends in the 80s jordan was just a loser who didn't pass the ball to anyone.. with the end of the lakersthe celtics and pistons MJ became the undisputed king of the 90s - which was a weaker nba era compared to the 80s ! 1vs1 i bet my life on lebron

[@TypicalBlakk]

@@hugosilva3916 lmao you typing that up like it add any credibility to your statement😂😂😂 Lebron took himself out the goat Convo in 2011 8 points in a finals game clamped by Jason Terry and JJ Barrea😭😭

[@Donny89100]

MJ the 🐐

[@askiahrichardson8911]

Period!!!!!

[@iliketurtles7259]

Nah lil bro

[@chadk890]

​@@iliketurtles7259 🙄

[@ethiopiantube6474]

Facts it was much harder to score because you can play much more physically

[@matazo2432]

I thoroughly enjoyed the commentary by Stephen A on the top 5 favorite moments at the end. That was very entertaining

[@brennangilbert3332]

If we can't compare era's then we can't compare stats. The cake has been baked....Jordan is the G.O.A.T.!! ....next question!

[@norwoodhammond650]

Great point. They don't want accolades in the GOAT debate because Lebrons accolades don't add up. They don't want compare eras because Jordan's Era was tougher 🤣🤣. This should be against the law

[@mercisadiki]

If you can’t compare Eras then he can’t be the GOAT…Evolution says that what comes after will always be greater than what came before because it is an advanced version of it. Players are evolved so if LeBron is the greatest of his Era then that makes him superior to any Era that came before. It’s basically biology, math, and physics. People talk about physicality as if a 260lbs LeBron James wouldn’t absolutely obliterate any previous era where guards were a buck 50 and big men were 230 pounds. Y’all crack me up.

[@ResultsTv]

@@mercisadiki so you gone act like bron didn’t face worse with jj barea and terry locking him down lmaoooo

[@mercisadiki]

@@ResultsTv judging a man based on 1 series out of a 20 year career is illogical. Can we talk about Jordan getting swept in first rounds then?

[@ResultsTv]

@@mercisadiki no player in history could have got that bad team passed the 1st round lol mj didn’t jump ship to win

[@MostHated_Murda5]

They both have good points… that’s why MJ said u can’t compare eras..

[@evilminions00]

Nobody cares about your opinion lebron the goat simple.

[@salvatoresultana4058]

@@evilminions00 everything says that Jordan is the GOAT.

[@knightdance8377]

You never even watched Jordan play. You have to be literally insane to watch both of them play in their primes and come to the conclusion Lebron is even in the discussion.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

@@knightdance8377 Facts

[@TheLionaaa]

It's a priviledge for Lebron to even be compared (unfairly) to Jordan.

[@funkyfreshkid08]

To you!

[@OneAcer]

The poster on Ewing on my list... just filthy... the footwork my god.. 6-0.. Legend.

[@Iulznazi]

At the end of the day, it all boils down to Longevity vs Peak. MJ had the greatest peak, with his multiple three-peats, MVP's, even getting a DPOY while still playing otherworldly offense. MJ brought basketball to the international stage. Lebron on the other hand, has played in so many games, top 5 in assists and will be number 1 in scoring in a few games in addition to going to a 10 finals, and has sustained his high level playing for so long. Personally, I think that MJ is still the GOAT, but Lebron is close behind. MJ has transcended beyond basketball. We still call someone who excels at their respective sport, or even other non-athletic speciality that they are the "MJ of ..."

[@JayK07]

MJ also took too breaks in his peak was well rested

[@jacquonf4925]

MJ had the greatest peak against bums. This not even a discussion, Bron the GOAT

[@kckennedy1325]

ppl call others the lebron of their sport as well

[@kentayali]

@Espo78 Jordan said they had no answer for hakeem and the rockets always beat bulls in regular season but they on west conference

[@4linegoon632]

LeBron is no where near Jordan stop the Cap

[@raquelwright1607]

Stephen A is right about MJ being The Goat over Lebron.

[@officialsonic1]

Michael Jorden did this under 15 seasons in a tougher defense era Michael did this with the same team

[@chanceterry1687]

What team did Jordan beat that was better than the Spurs or the Warriors?

[@officialsonic1]

@@chanceterry1687 i give the spurs but warriors only had one great defender and that's Draymond green

[@frenzal191]

@@chanceterry1687 Max Kellerman said it best, MJ never had to slay the monster because he was the monster.

[@chanceterry1687]

@@frenzal191 regardless, he never faced any competition like these teams Lebron played against. Not even close and when he did play good teams he got bounced in the first round 💀

[@jaydenvu4178]

@@chanceterry1687 Warriors are SOFT! SOFTEST ERA! That little boy Curry gonna get fucked up by them bulls defense. You ain’t gotta worry abt Klay cuz he don’t show up. Pippen will lock up Durant clean and Rodman will take care of that fake gangsta Draymond Green.

[@yuanzhang8690]

Legendary monologue by Stephen A😂😂😂

[@m1ty]

Persnickety!!! 😅🤣😂

[@Ejyap0]

Imagine Shannon Sharpe and Kendrick Perkins vs Skip and Stephen A. in a Jordan vs Bron debate😂😂

[@toomuchtraveling]

That’ll be epic but I’d replace Kendrick with Nick Wright.

[@iliketurtles7259]

Shannon will cook them boys

[@ThreePointThreat]

@@iliketurtles7259hell no lmao. When it comes to basketball and that topic in particular, Shannon would get torn apart

[@isaacsmith3901]

Shannon and Stephen A need their own show 😂

[@elijahgotti875]

@@iliketurtles7259what is you retarded or something

[@kdubb2995]

My top 5: MJ Kareem Magic Bird Kobe I'm 52 and have been watching basketball since the 80's so I'm not commenting on people I've never seen play.

[@nostalgiacorner1999]

True Winners

[@stunnerkumah]

Kobe won 3 with Shaq Kareem And magic won together lmao and Mj needed Scottie

[@kdubb2995]

@@stunnerkumah Are you trying to make a point?

[@steplaland]

Jordan has so many moments not in SAS's top 5 including his shoulder shrug, flu game, Cavs beater, Ewing dunk, and so many more. Lebron, I only remember the Iggy chase down block and the Game 6 maniac stare. Jordan 🐐

[@davidpham2764]

Can’t believed perkin even comparing 3s in the 80s and 90s n now lol

[@Sonnel_James]

i love that Perk's argument is that Lebron is more of a team player than MJ when he holds the ball 99.9% of the time everytime he's on the court LOL

[@melvinhhcp3615]

Bron got 6 Finals LOSSES with handpicked superteams & Klutz Sports! I'm not understanding how this is a debate. MJ >>> by a landslide.

[@harinderrana9735]

Did MJ face a team as good as the Spurs or Warriors that LeBron faced.

[@johnny6610]

@@harinderrana9735 Jordan had a harder road to the finals and Lebron was on the weak east, that’s why he made it to all those finals. Also did Jordan play a worse team than the 2020 Heat in the finals? 😂😂😂

[@drewfrazier6768]

Asking two professional journalists if they know what "synonymous" means is hilarious

[@edwardhawkins3380]

MJ was magical nobody moved like Mike. Making all those incredible shots.

[@kennyannunziato5477]

@Perk: Back in the day, it was five defenders ALL knowing MJ was taking the shot, they still couldn't stop him. THAT is a big difference, to be considered. Not only the more physical game of the era..

[@RC-on6eg]

It was also illegal to have certain defenses that would have slowed Jordan down but you might be too young to know that

[@maxwellbrito6602]

Exactly.

[@maxwellbrito6602]

You couldn’t even double or triple team back then how they do Bron.

[@kayvonmalik267]

Zone defense was illegal back then LOL meaning mj was going iso against dudes like Jeff Hornacek 😂😂😂😂😂😂 everything was one on one basically back then bro. Imagine 6'9 250 LeBron in that era he's getting to the bucket with ease

[@norwoodhammond650]

@R C excuses excuses. Like always. LeBron James has the most turnovers in NBA History. HE was the reason his Miami superteam DIDN'T 3peat Vs Dallas. It's totally fine to have a guy as your favorite player, but delusional to make excuses at every turn in order to MAKE that player the GOAT.

[@NovakaneWorldwide93]

Lebron played with more offensive talent than Jordan with Wade, Kyrie and AD. And he still didn’t win more rings than 4. Lebron is a more balanced individual talent but Mike was more dominant at offensive and defensive. More balanced doesn’t mean greater.

[@Threes2x]

He’s played with way more talent AD, Wade, bosh, Kyrie, love, westbrook, and some of the best shooters ever like Ray Allen, Kyle korver.

[@HCOEDAYDAY]

You don’t know basketball MJ played with more HOF 😂🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Dipset415]

@@HCOEDAYDAY mj made those dudes hall of famers except Rodman

[@skylarforrest1849]

MJ played with 2 of the greatest defensive players of all time and the greatest coach in NBA history

[@eliasdejesussanchez1321]

Who doesnt know about basket is you, he said a completed true , Mj is the best ever but lbj is the most balanced player.

[@mustagkeemharris5841]

"Look at this move right here" Perk had to let it Out🤣🤣

[@Vanguardkl]

Im in Malaysia and i started watching NBA because of Jordan in 1995 when i was 8 years old, and im now 36 and Michael is the greatest.

[@fromnothingalegend]

You're simply nostalgic... Get this, had it been LeBron, you'd be oohing and aahing bout LeBron made u watch ball... Somewhere rn a kid will grow up to say LeBron made them watch ball at 8

[@robX931]

@@fromnothingalegend Good point. My father believes Kareem is the GOAT. He has an argument. I believe it's MJ. My son think it is LeBron. I'm sure some older people will argue Russell or Wilt. All have rights to claim the GOAT in their own ways.

[@michaelchristipher3147]

@@fromnothingalegend or you can literally just watch the people play. I never saw Barry sanders play live, I grew up with LaDainian Tomlinson, priest Holmes, Derrick Henry, Adrian Peterson etc. Barry sanders is the greatest running back to have ever played. Just watch him run. Michael Jordan is the greatest player to ever play, just watch him play. Lebron is top 5, but he’s never going to be on mikes level. He’s not smooth, he doesn’t have that must win mentality. He will never be mike. Impossible. Closest thing to mike was Kobe, who is also a more talented player than lebron.

[@ThreePointThreat]

@@fromnothingalegendLeBron’s achievements are fresh in your mind. Your view on LeBron is fueled by recency bias. Before you talk about people’s views being guided by nostalgia, be sure to consider how recency bias affects your view. LeBron is never going to surpass MJ as the GOAT. It’s not even close

[@lilblast7745]

Bron is better sorry

[@nichad29]

The only argument lebron has over MJ is longevity and one can argue tackling MJ to stop him from going at the rim contributed to him not playing as long as lebron

[@JayDaMan420]

Longevity, more efficient scorer, most complete player ever, Most Playoff game winners, most playoff buzzer beaters, highest percentage on Game winning shots, faced tougher competition, and please dont talk about tackling when Lebron has been literally hit in the face and broke his nose with no foul call, and he still gets hacked with no calls😅

[@screwheadtx3658]

And he still aint on MJ level 😂

[@nydibs]

@@JayDaMan420 - most complete player: scoring leader and defensive player of the year

[@JayDaMan420]

@@nydibs *Ignores Passing, rebounding, and Post defense*.. *also ignores everything else listed* fun fact Lebron got cheated outta DPOY when it was given to a Center who didnt even make 1st team All defense

[@stirlowashingto908]

U call 26 6 6 for 20 years just longevity.. smh y’all shleep

[@jameslborg]

Perkins talking up Lerbon just to hyoe up his era. What he said about 2003 was hilarious! 🤣

[@arthor8134]

The way Stephen A was reacting to his list! 🤣🤣

[@junebug97472]

Oh Lawd, OH LAWD🗣😭

[@fweweebs]

the best comedy i've seen

[@tootrill5622]

😂 now we are basing the debate off of who’s a better 3 point shooter 😂

[@armandop9082]

Anybody that saw MJ play knows it's no contest imagine jj barea guarding Jordan in finals lol

[@Threes2x]

I use to think that was a meme but JJ barea actually did lock up bron on a possession😂

[@DaKaneSaw]

Agreed, although can't see Bron having any issues being guarded by GP

[@jsgr5382]

Imagine John Starks, Craig Elo, Danny Ainge, Dan majerle, Jeff Hornacek, Mookie Blaylock, guarded LeBron lol. I watched MJ's career. Lebrons the goat

[@ekamsandhu134]

@@Threes2x it’s a meme lol , look at total possessions

[@ala2417]

Bron 🐐

[@jillb1420]

Sorry, MJ was better on both ends of the court. If you compare on a per game basis on stats, and add in the context of their positions (which takes longevity out of it), MJ was better at almost every stat.

[@quentondaniels8536]

Facts 🎯

[@amostlyreasonableguy]

Bron’s scoring is impressive but multiple players are averaging 4 points higher a game than they did last year, because the NBA keeps making it easier for offense.

[@jimbrave426]

Exactly

[@joseloza2882]

But like all time points is a individual record tho?

[@miguelmendez8376]

Michael Jeffrey Jordan will always be the greatest basketball player.

[@lyndellhall3457]

That was until LeBron James came along!

[@crzy__]

@@lyndellhall3457 stop capping. MJ forever

[@Yung_Fargo]

😂🚮🚮

[@divinedeparture5560]

@@crzy__ it's bill russel kid 11-0 try harder

[@divinedeparture5560]

bill russel

[@tyronejames4187]

"Just because you was allowed to tackle people and could throw punches back then, that doesn't mean the level of physicality was different." I think you may need to look up what physicality means.

[@GazzaDazzle]

Ok how do you spell Perstikiti?

[@Majorbanjo]

What are "acculades"?

[@tigerhoods7927]

Lol how it’s supposed to be Jordan day but they keep bringing up Lebron 😂

[@ChuckTateD117]

That’s ESPN D’ riding Lebron😂😂😂

[@melvinhhcp3615]

@@ChuckTateD117 Right

[@bambam23406]

Cause it’s not a real day lol

[@justinwalker2460]

I low key feel like it's the other way around. Every time LeBron does something they bring up Jordan.

[@groveboytae]

Because lebron has been a threat to mj legacy since high school 😂

[@nathenjayden1788]

How Jordan impacted his teammates growth at practice and n the locker room is just something Lebron can’t do. Mentalities are way different.

[@MajorDude14]

More like limited them. Some of his teammates were all stars when he was gone.

[@hny2396]

@@MajorDude14 yes, because he helped them become all-stars

[@tinomanrique24]

People always say he had help from Pippen. But it was MJ that brought out the best in Pippen, as well as the likes of Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Steve Kerr, John Paxson, etc.

[@edgarramirez5486]

Pero who?

[@Themarkusandre]

94-97 they shortened the 3pt line from 23.9 to 22ft almost 2 feet so they could shoot better and bring up scoring

[@cd2ogz1]

The ONLY way you can beat MJs legacy is to do either 2 things: 1) Equal Jordan's accomplishments in far LESS time than he did. 2) obtain MORE accomplishments than MJ did in the same amount of time he played. Accomplishments: Rookie of the Year; Five-time NBA MVP; Six-time NBA champion; Six-time NBA Finals MVP; Defensive POY Ten-time All-NBA 1st Team Nine time NBA All-Defensive First Team; 14-time NBA All-Star; 3x NBA All-Star MVP Ten scoring titles with the NBA’s highest scoring average of 30.1ppg; and oh yeah... 2x 3peats GOOD LUCK!

[@imandark0]

if throwing punches and tackling doesnt mean being physical then idk what is

[@TheLionaaa]

That was so ridiculous...

[@michaelmaccrazy]

The point Perk was making is that there were some elements of physicality back then that never should have been a part of basketball. The league did a poor job at enforcing it during MJs day and is a much better job at weeding it out now. The levels of physicality in the league isnt something Lebron cant control so why is that being held against him? Not a fan of Perk, but that is actually a legit observation on his part.

[@TheLionaaa]

@@michaelmaccrazy It's not being held against Lebron but on one side we have to put it into context to extract the truth, second we know Lebron doesn't do well against physicality. We saw it a few times in his career.

[@michaelmaccrazy]

@@TheLionaaa 😂😂😂😂 the former football player doesn’t do well with physicality. Gotcha.

[@TheLionaaa]

@@michaelmaccrazy I didn't know Lebron was a former football player (when?) but I saw him against a few(what was left from the '90s) physical defenders like Bruce Bowen in NBA finals averaging 22 pts/6 turnovers/36%. I saw him against the Celtics of Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen...he's not really comfortable and he complains a lot to the refs.

[@Don_Winchester]

Let me guess “you would have had to be there” 😂

[@jojocapone4861]

"It is dead... Actually it should have never been alive." One of the truest statements Stephen A has ever made..

[@ChaseCash.]

Perk perk perk. MJ is the goat 🐐

[@leoh6742]

I would've had the 92 Finals game with the 6 3's somewhere in my top 5.

[@almightygoz21]

They need to define what they consider the word “greatest” means. People have different views on the meaning of the word and what criteria to include or exclude.

[@jenjay0167]

Perk out here in these streets talking CRAZY 🤯!!

[@kabook4000]

Fundamentally sound 1st, then skill and athleticism

[@littleoneforever6450]

Stephen a smith is right jordan will allways be the goat

[@dparks2856]

In his eyes

[@melvinhhcp3615]

@@dparks2856 Nah, period. MJ got it bro. It's not even close.

[@dparks2856]

@Melvin HHCP That's your opinion not mine.

[@samm552]

Nah Bron Bron the GOAT, no debate.

[@dynamic6645]

@@melvinhhcp3615 it's not even close that he's not the goat yes

[@justicebediako6181]

This should be one of Stephen As great delivery speech

[@RoyallKing629]

Just because you were able to tackle and elbow people back then. Doesn’t mean anything has changed as far as the physicality - Perk

[@joshloach9016]

This man said he got some J's on his feet but says Bron the goat 🤣🤣🤣

[@heirrose1606]

Finals 3pt%: Jordan 37% LeBron 35%. "Just because you were allowed to tackle, throw punches doesn't mean it was more physical" lmfao Perk needs more help than new words. Through 15 yrs LeBron shot MORE FTs than Jordan in a softer NBA and made FEWER of those FTs.

[@GL_FAB]

Kobe is top 2 🔥🏀💯

[@christopherbrown9279]

Only Kobe can be right behind Jordan. 1. MJ 2. Kobe 3. Kareem 4. Magic 5. LeBron or Steph Curry

[@violentbryan21]

Why are we still talking about this?

[@realbrooklyn7995]

I don't always agree with Steven A but this one I'm with him. The fact is free throws for ridiculous fouls is a big contributor to points scored in a game. I would argue that if they were to remove foul shots from the stats, Lebron scoring title would drop tremendously.

[@leeyooo6246]

lebron averages 7.8 ft attempts while mj averaged 8.2 ft attempts in their career... so ur words does not make sense if u were to undermine lebron...

[@user-dd7no7ul1d]

MJ stayed on the line more than bron, so this point is invalid

[@SteveJobIess]

Wth, of course taking away free throws would reduce his overall points scored. Guess what, if you take away his 3 pointers, and two pointers as well, he's scored 0. Basically youre saying, if Lebron didnt score the points hes scored, he wouldnt have as many points as hes scored.

[@maxwellbrito6602]

So what would it mean if you counted Lebron’s playoff points?

[@realbrooklyn7995]

@@SteveJobIess you are about as dumb as fckn door knob.

[@RedEyesRobotics]

Imagine saying a conversation is dead and not bringing any points with you 😂😂😂

[@mrmvp2323]

🤣🤣That's these guys logic

[@TheMCJ2011]

That’s Kendrick Perkins for you 😂😂😂

[@Dessertdck]

Stephen a know LBJ better. He just gotta hold it down for their era. I understand now.

[@honorfirst7506]

@@Dessertdck a guys better with less accolades, more losing, Lessing winning, but many more years played, and after you lost multiple times, you were allowed to pick your own teams multiple times? 😂 that’s delusional.

[@mrmvp2323]

@@honorfirst7506 they both have a similar win loss record tbh and lebron played more games..that's kinda bad on mj's part. Then you have to look at stats.lebron is just better.what other sport to we discredit stats when it come to choosing the best? Only in basketball do guys keep moving the goal post.lebron doesn't have to win more rings than mj because mj didn't have to win more rings than bill to be considered the goat.

[@captainmorpheus7721]

I looooooove itttt, great showman, great entertainer

[@dbrav727]

ESPN needs to hire some of these KZbinrs who explain this debate way more critically and analytically

[@StuntmanBeatz313]

2:05 "this is not an individual sport..." then immediately brought up an individual accolade.. individually (scoring title, dpoy, MVP etc), Jordan accomplish more & team wise (championships), Jordan accomplished more.

[@ReformedJerry]

Jordan is the goat. I used to say Lebron but I mean once you break it down Lebron is only got him beat with the longevity stats.

[@smooth4life554]

Man good point

[@Subotai111]

You can always count of MJ to win a game. The same is not true for Lebron. That's why MJ is so loved by many even after being retired for so many years. IMO that is what defines GOAT. Longevity does not equate to "greatest". It's how spectacular your play was during the time you had on the court.

[@vanbgaming3501]

This era people is already forgetting who is MJ. If MJ's dad did not passed away. MJ is the leading scorer right now.

[@k3mistryproductions]

What's funny is Perk says the NBA/basketball "isn't an individual sport," yet much of his arguments are based on individual stats... Make it make sense? Perk's argument would've been better supported if he spoke on the narrative of LeBron making his team better, carrying less talent to the NBA finals, etc. Something must be said about the eras in which both Jordan and LeBron played, though. Anyways, Happy MJ Day!

[@tex_s_t]

It Aint even close I'd rather be 6 for 6 and all the numbers say Jordan on a year to year basis but if you've rather lose more Finals than win pick LeBron. I totally agree with Stephen A.

[@SportsSpeak73]

Might want to re-check those accolades Big Perk

[@jimbrave426]

I'll just count guards and wings based on Talent and Skills, and how they made others better, since that is all espn thinks matter 1. Jordan 2. Isiah 3. Magic 4. Bird 5. Pippen 6. Kobe 7. Erving 8. Barkley was a wing who played PF also 9. Penny 10. Kawhi 11. Curry 12. Durant 13. James 14. Dirk is a Wing that could play PF. 15. Drexler 16. L. Johnson 17. G. Hill 18. K. Johnson 19. Havlicek 20. Monroe All these players would tear lebron up. He wouldn't make a Finals in the 90's. the east was just bad in the 10's of the East.

[@dsteele2332]

I've always said that at this point Jordan is the goat b/c not only does he have the team success, individual accolades, his skillset was just ridiculous, but can we say that another athlete transcends their sport like Jordan? Literally everything is compared to MJ..the mans shoes are as popular as some humans lol..there are other factors as well but just the fact that even people that didn't see him play that much think Jordan when they talk about basketball...I'm not one that just uses that 6-0 in the finals or how many Lebron lost.

[@foundationsyth9825]

Yeah I think that is because everyone just adores MJ. There have been more dominant and better athletes at their sport since then. We should say the "Tom Brady" of this sport or "The Messi of this sport" or Serena williams.

[@ThuUnderGroundRemnant]

As a Boston Celtic Bostonian only people we feared was MAGIC , JORDAN , bad boy pistons and KOBE . We ran Lebron to MIAMI with A old Pierce Allen and KG

[@mallyg3125]

A fact that people don't talk about 😂😩

[@carrieclark8601]

Jermaine Dupree is host of first take now ?