NBA: LeBron James best player since Michael Jordan?

Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith discuss if LeBron James is the best player in the NBA since Michael Jordan. Watch more videos like this at www.espnamerica.com

[@younggod3906]

Skip predicted the future by saying Lebron will be number one in almost every statistical category.

[@namebrandjones1760]

Not hard to predict when he's the goat.

[@theguy9150]

Namebrandjones and no one care if you’re delusions makes LeBum YOUR goat. Now, even if you don’t care, my Goat is the 6 for 6 titles, with 6 MVPs, 5 regular season MVP, 10 SCORING TITLES, 1 defensive title, 30,6,5 for career and the best of all is that ALL of that was in much much less time than your Bum who missed the Playoffs 3 times, chocked in 2011, was saved in 2013 and swept by KD. Enjoy your mangy goat, kid.

[@12WeMet1]

Don’t need to be a tv blowhard to predict that one bud

[@ferryfernandus1423]

@@theguy9150 i mean.. people have different opinion, so why do you have to use "bum". why do you have to use derogatory term to debate about someone's career that isn't even relate-able to your life?? that's just sad calling other people negative stuff while yourself maybe doesn't achieve a lot in your life

[@feartheclown2367]

The Guy playing against my neighbors plumber

[@mg19cal]

1:13 " I just want to see him do it in the finals" LeBron does it in 2016 with a record-setting stat line and a championship to go with it, Skip STILL doesn't give him his credit

[@johnellis3126]

mg19cal because he didn’t close in game 7 which is whole argument. Kylie closed

[@davioncash2322]

@@johnellis3126 what about the block?

[@davioncash2322]

@@johnellis3126 or his 26 point tripple doubloe oh ok facts✌

[@lightbulblicker6499]

mg19cal how many rings lol

[@Top-Kek]

17 seasons and he has half as many championships as the real #23...

[@richardadams214]

U gotta give lebron credit for dragging the 07 cavs to the finals

[@bballah4lyfe]

Richard adams no u dont cause that team won wnough games to be a 6th seed in thw west that yr where they would face the spurs in the first round. No probs given. AI took a weaker team to the finals in 01 and even won a game while lebron and cavs got swept. East is trash

[@scottbennici4689]

Knight Rydah that 76ers team was so much better than that cavs team....

[@bballah4lyfe]

Scott Bennici no it wasnt. Ur trippin!

[@scottbennici4689]

Knight Rydah Iverson had Mutumbo and Larry Brown as coach. Better than anything Lebron had.

[@bballah4lyfe]

Scott Bennici lmao! Lebron had an all star center in zydrunas ilgauskas and an all nba defensive sg in larry hughes.

[@donaldanderson6408]

Stat sheet stuffer 😞😞😞 Skip made millions off of TROLLING LeBron James

[@michaelwhitfield2303]

Facts

[@Uptop4300]

Donald Anderson fr

[@thesentinelsfootballchanne3212]

Stephen a Smith crucified an NBA rookie who was good enough to play for 12 years in the NBA and labled him a scrub and a bust. What's the difference? Skip gave SAS an opportunity to be on first take.

[@manoneal1724]

The LeBron vs Jordan question is debatable. But if you don't think that LeBron is the best player SINCE Jordan then you are a fool. The only player since '98 who was ever as dominant as him was Shaq during the Lakers three-peat.

[@DonkeyKong5479]

Duncan > LeFlop

[@manoneal1724]

Andrew Blackop Okay.

[@manoneal1724]

***** How do you figure?

[@josephharriett6452]

Man O'Neal i think lebron sux to be honest i mean hes good but no were near has his ego says he is

[@varunmaheshwari9025]

Man O'Neal I could see someone seeing Shaq or Duncan, but honestly LeBron is the GOAT

[@bullettomy7thheart]

"LeBresia"? LMFAO Skip

[@joelatt9656]

🤣🤣

[@johnpestano22]

I love watching these classic FT videos. vintage SAS and Skip at their best going at each other.

[@SkinnyJT_YT]

He choked in 2023 conference finals. Skip gave us prophecy since 2012. Michael Jordan is HIM!

[@KanameKashita]

I find it rude when Skip just puts down Dirk's Mavs like they are nothing. Sure, their lineup isn't the most impressive, and they only have one true star in Dirk, but the team unity and consistancy they've put up over the last couple of years is very impressive. They consistantly give the Spurs a run for their money, a team Skip would probably say is the best team in the NBA by far, and rivals the best teams of the 80-90s.

[@mylestonah_kruezeeznk8214]

Lookin at that Mavs team. Makes u wonder y LeBron likes more veteran teams

[@mylestonah_kruezeeznk8214]

@Abdul Shah huh what u talkin bout? I didn't say nothin bad about tha Mavs team...

[@KWU_369]

That Mavs team was the first I saw shoot threes like the Warriors are known.

[@luny2nez281]

Is the Mavs better than Barkleys Suns? Or Stockton and Malone Jazz? Or Clyde’s Trailblazers? Ewings Knicks? Shaq’s Magic? Reggie Miller Pacers?No they wasnt. They was just a good team with Dirk on one of his last hot streaks. LeBron was “the best in the NBA” with Wade who was a superstar and Bosh who was a superstar who took a step back. The fact LeBron went from averaging like 27 to 17 while being up 2-1 and lose shows that he choked that series. I like Dirk, but that wasnt even Dirks best team he had. That wasnt even the best version of Dirk.

[@apark02]

switch Kobe and Lebrons teams for their careers and see how many titles Lebron would have won compared to Kobe.

[@Itsnotthatdeepbruh]

about 7 to 8 rings

[@RobertMichael]

Idk about that. For sure with Shaq, but Kobe’s team in ‘09 and ‘10 sans Kobe was not as good as the Miami Heat of 2011-2014 sans Lebron. Obviously the days of Smush and Kwame and then beyond 2011 with the injuries, I don’t think Lebron would have far more rings.

[@ScopeVeterans]

@Justin Keating didnt that mavs team also beat the lakers otw

[@IamLAMONT]

@@RobertMichael I see ur point but Spurs had 4 hall of famers

[@IamLAMONT]

@@RobertMichael possibly even 5

[@Msching]

I think the saddest part of that is, he was in his prime and could have shit on everyone if he had a team around him instead of 3 other D-Leaguers as starters in Smush, Brian Cook, and Kwame. Everyone talks about how great the Lakers management is, how come the Lakers couldn't get someone in when Kobe was the CLEARLY the best player in the world from 2002-2008(9). They didn't get anyone until 2008, and just as an NBA fan, I am very disappointed.

[@teddyhart2913]

2003 was Shaq 2004 Kobe, Duncan and KG all had a legitimate claim 2005 - 2007 Kobe and Duncan 2008 - Lebron and Kobe 2009 - 2018 Lebron 2018 - 2023 Giannis/KD

[@melvindoo643]

@@teddyhart2913 nah curry was undoubtedly the best player in world in 2015 it wasn’t close and also 2016 up until the finals when LeBron took the throne back but you can’t argue against that the only reason Steph didn’t win mvp in 2016 was because of the fact that Russell Westbrook stat padded just to average a triple double all season

[@ccbgaming6994]

@teddyhart2913 Jokic has been right there since 2020 and is undoubtedly the guy starting this year

[@thedking94]

​@@teddyhart291322-24 Giannis and Jokic

[@ultrascreens5206]

Skips random facial expressions is hilarious 😂😂

[@whatsit2yaguy]

MJ was the main contributor to all six of his rings, Kareem was the main contributor for only 2. That what puts MJ above Kareem, the number of rings where he was the main player. 6 rings led by MJ> 6 rings, 2 led by Kareem. So the number of rings where the player was the main contributor is what really counts.

[@diegovillaneda9788]

Kareem > mj

[@Italy4ever06]

he had one of the best point guards in the game..butler. he also had a young lamar odom. kobe led them to 36 wins. Lebron won 66 games with delonte west and mo williams as point guard.

[@dumbass5774]

In the weak ass eastern conference

[@bautibruniard9218]

it goes like this: Russel passes torch to Wilt-Wilt to Kareem-Kareem to Magic/Larry-They pass it to Jordan-who passed it to Kobe-who passed it to LeBron, LeBron is the best player since Kobe, Kone is the best since Jordan

[@TheFadedSpade35]

So you just gonna forget about Duncan? Shaq? Wb Dr. J? Ridiculous, man

[@killertofu]

Shaq was def after Jordan if anyone lmao. Kobe literally threw up bricks lmao

[@jamesdawny1855]

@@killertofu Cana tell you didn’t watch either lol.

[@jamesdawny1855]

You guys 😓😓say Kobe sucks cause the back to back champs got swept by the mavs …. Lol. Listen to what you said. Back to back. Where was lebron? 🤔

[@0-Elias-0]

2012, SAS ≈ " _Lebron's laissez-fare attitude towards winning will have a toxic impact on the NBA_ " 2012, MVP Lebron ≈ " _If we lose this season is still _*_not_*_ a failure_ " 2023, MVP Giannis = " _Although we lost 4-1 to the 8th seeded Miami Heat, this season was not a failure_ " Stephen A was right, and today's MVPs have carried Lebron's eroded mantle (of not prioritizing winning).

[@ccbgaming6994]

MVP Giannis?

[@0-Elias-0]

@@ccbgaming6994 Yeah. Once an MVP, Always an MVP. Plus, a former MVP who's still in his prime is still in MVP form. So, although 2023 wasn't either of the years that Giannis won it, he was still in MVP Form. That's why I used the shorthand "MVP Giannis". Before LBJ, NBA MVPs prioritized winning. Now, they treat it like another statistic.

[@JohnLennon-yg4ut]

Funny how lebron put all these “he can’t close, he can’t win, he’s not clutch” narratives to bed, 8 years later.

[@deshawndodd7883]

FALSE

[@sportsking6399]

Did he really tho?

[@Dontresssmith3757]

@@deshawndodd7883 that's not false thats true you jus wanna find ways to diminish him thats all you're trying to do is jus troll

[@jrsmith1998]

@@deshawndodd7883 u are quite the dummy.

[@paulmccarthy4277]

did he ? lmao they just missed the playoffs with a superteam . he barely got 4rings while stackings his teams .

[@wosile]

MJ averaged 32 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and a block per game in like his 5th year...imo he was a stat machine too...

[@reginaldwilliams6241]

That was only for one season.. he never averaged more than 5 rebounds and 6 assist a game

[@andrewlynch9586]

@@reginaldwilliams6241 wth are you talking about? he did that in 3 separate seasons. basketball reference is free to use. also jordan's peak (89-91) he averaged the same amount of apg as peak lebron (2012-2014) in regular season and more apg in the playoffs. in 1991 he averaged 11 apg in the nba finals, more than any player besides magic johnson in the history of the nba finals.

[@Hinshu85]

And he was criticized for it. You youngins know nothing. Until 1988 he had to see newspapers and news on tv about the scoring champ not winning rings. Lebron got nothing in terms of heat as Mj did.

[@randymarsh6931]

@@reginaldwilliams6241Because Phil Jackson brought in the Triangle offense which doesn’t encourage high assist numbers.

[@gloomygl]

Now it's not even a question

[@AirForceA7x]

for a while i believed kobe to be the best player since mj but lebron is simply a freak of nature but his legacy is tarnished because of his sole decision to join bosh and d wade in miami, essentially taking the easy route, and that is why(in my opinion ) he will never be greater than jordan

[@dacommishknox9609]

It was the easy way out bron had to ring chase to get his first chip because he wasnt good enough to get it done in Cleveland

[@airbene98]

Skip just admitted that LeBron is better statistically and talent wise than mj so why is there even a conversation ? If you wanna look at crunchtime go look at the 4th quarter stats

[@theguy9150]

Because Skip is a dumbass. LeBum has more numbers because he has played more, simple as that. MJ in much LESS time did MUCH more in every category than the 3-6 looser.

[@gianmagrine3947]

3-6,11 points against the mavericks,lebron Will be number one in turnovers both regular and playoff.Skip is dissing lebron saying he is a stat padder

[@andrewgeorge4374]

@@gianmagrine3947 ??

[@HpcZclan]

@@gianmagrine3947 lebron is also almost number one in every other stat😂

[@Daunderdog]

MJ clears lebron in accolades 😂

[@starra4772]

skip is just a Lebron hater 😂

[@mumenrider1844]

Sashley Tharris thats why i like him

[@sebastianchavez602]

Check the clutch stats on nba finals he is only detailing his failures

[@nbagoats4819]

42.9% to be exact. Yea but we're talking 28 points on 20 shots a game. Kobe shot more than anyone in the league last year and he still didn't win the scoring title over someone who shot less. That means there was someone more efficient at scoring. Lebron and Durant shot 4-5 shots less averaging the same amount of points. Thats efficiency.

[@Truthteller2120]

the golden era of first take. thanks for the recommendation youtube.

[@Sahluful]

He's the best since Kobe, who was the best since Shaq, who was the best since Jordan.

[@TheFadedSpade35]

No Duncan? K

[@Mercurial.]

Shaq har the accolades in 2000 that's it. The best u have to do the INTANGIBLES and Shaq never did that.

[@Truster140]

Come back when LBJ's career is set and done. You will be surprised

[@RicodotAppel4]

He’s close to being done and he still can’t sniff Jordan’s ballsack

[@fijivine]

Beautiful comment

[@sincere5083]

Comment aged like fine wine

[@SwaggerLikeUz]

These debates never end lol. Jordan was the most relentless player I ever seen, He played every game like it was his last. From a young freshmen in college hitting the shot against Georgetown, til 98 hitting the last shot against the Jazz. Jordan is a true Legend, He's up there with Ali, Babe Ruth, Roc Marciano, Wanye Gretsky, Jack Nicholas, Jackie Robinson, etc.

[@BloodyAlbozz666]

All I remember is when they met in the playoffs, Kobe was up 3-1 against the Suns. And then they lost it and when it went to game 7, Kobe shot 2 shots in the second half. That is choking.

[@heels4lifx]

Tim Duncan is the best player since Jordan...without a doubt. He carried the Spurs ever since coming into the League. 50+ win seasons every year. 4x Champion 3x Finals MVP 2x NBA MVP Anchor of the Spurs Defense Made Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili stars

[@jacobhamblin5875]

Love this episode. Kevin Durant, James Harden, and the fans need this lesson

[@HatersS0CK]

Actually, Michael didn't comment on who is better. He simply said he would rather have Kobe on a team with him (because kobe has 5 and Lebron has 1).

[@Coachvinoo]

Kobe has been the best since Jordan. Its just that simple.

[@piggyboi9101]

Toxic Gaming this was 6 years ago chill

[@AlexWatkinsTV]

Jordan's championship seasons came in years with an aging Magic, young Shaq, prime Hakeem, prime Ewing, prime Drexler, prime Barkley, prime Malone, prime Stockton, prime Miller, prime David Robinson, and young Tim Duncan.

[@Justin21LAL]

At the end of the day, when Kobe is retired, he will have the greater legacy than Shaq. Lebron is still cementing his legacy.

[@alexharris991]

Kobe dead now

[@bossedupppolo1358]

Lebron is better than MJ now he's grown up Right now Jordan can't stop him it's more than rings to it that makes another player better than another player Lebron is a better defender a better rebounder scorer passer at this point Lebron is in his prime

[@dimitric12345678]

Stephen A. Smith's reactions are priceless lol

[@Picklesmcsquee]

In 05-06 the 2nd seed suns were taken to 7 by the Lakers. Nash didn't come near killing Kobe either, Kobe dropped 50 and a franchise record 12 in overtime and the Lakers STILL lost game 6, because the team that surrounded Kobe was that bad. If you have 9 straight 40+ point games and an 81 point game, you deserve to be MVP. Anyone who actually watched basketball that year knew that Kobe was obviously the best by far.

[@Nick-ol5hi]

In 2012 before Lebron won his first ring, I think Wade and Kobe were the best since Jordan

[@GamingwithJaelyn]

but the 2012 NBA finals were fixed igged

[@Nick-ol5hi]

Jae Brookens You can't rig winning 4 games in a row winning. Miami was the better team

[@disappointedknicksfan5042]

+Jae Brookens You people that cry rigged just need to go... Anytime LeBron wins a ring, "it was rigged". Might as well say Kyrie and Love's injuries last year were rigged, Anything that doesn't go perfectly for the opposing team, the series is rigged. Smh...

[@dumbdumber7203]

nah, injuries aren't rigged - but suspending Green was a fucking rigging!

[@Shawn.Mathew]

I can understand Shaq, Kobe, but wade tho lol

[@IsaDRayM]

It wasnt one season. That just happened to be his best. From 1980 to 1986, He averages 29.9ppg on 55.9%Fg. Tell me why no one remembers him

[@Paper1Planes]

Skip literally said that He may be the best stat sheet stuff. He did not say his stats are on par with Jordan's. But what is interesting is how Lebron often puts up numbers or accomplish something that hasn't been seen since Jordan or other legends. Just because he he posted triple doubles doesn't make him more of a threat to do so. Michael had 30 career triple doubles, Lebron has 47 as of last season, so Its clear who the triple double threat is.

[@superflykingofficial7373]

THE FROZEN 🥶 ONE 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Thebrowntown1234]

Lebron: Greatest athlete to ever play MJ: Greatest competitor to ever play

[@LorrellBrooks]

determination.. Those games where it was tough, people doubted them but they never gave up no matter what. Not just only they didnt give up but they did what people cant understand. Whats amazing isn't the fact that Jordan average so much points a game, but when his teammates hand him that ball, they could expect him to bring them back. Whats amazing is how when things looked bad, these men stood tall, legends dont leave records, they leave an impact. That will to win, that killer instinct..

[@clausellwilliams9625]

Kobe Bryant was the best player since Michael Jordan! Skip lebron! Great player just highly overrated! Sure he can fill a stat sheet up but he cannot win rings unless he's on a superstar team

[@mr3000sr]

+Clausell Williams YOU my friend are in the minority on that one...sorry.... They both agree....you are the odd man out

[@clausellwilliams9625]

I don't care what they both say.

[@mr3000sr]

+Clausell Williams then don't listen lol it's simple cuzzo

[@clausellwilliams9625]

+S Ross I'm a basketball ball fan so its only natural I listen. I just don't agree about lebron being the best player since mj.

[@mr3000sr]

+Clausell Williams......................well the topic was from a poll....his peers said it first.....

[@Advertyse]

Magic, Ewing, Stockton, Karl Malone, Chuck, Bird, Isaiah Thomas, Wilkins, Drexler, Olajuwon, Reggie Miller, David Robinson, McHale, Payton, Mutombo, Shaq, Grant Hill, Bill Laimbeer, James Worthy, Moses Malone, Chris Webber, Kobe, Kevin Johnson, Jason Kidd, Dennis Johnson, Alex English, Chris Mullin, Pierce, KG, Joe Dumars, Ray Allen, Zo, Mitch Richmond, Jack Sikma, Maurice Cheeks, Sidney Moncrief, Adrian Dantley, Bernard King, Rodman, Rob Parish, Nash, AI, Pippen, Dirk, Dr J, Duncan, Kareem.

[@backatit5475]

shaq has said many times that he would know have those 3 rings without kobe.

[@CustomFitted]

THANK YOU!!!!!!! imm sick of people putting lebron over kobe,and im done arguing about it lol people are so ignorant

[@gip1279]

I personally wouldn't put him over Kobe just because of heart.

[@disappointedknicksfan5042]

gip1279 Because Kobe supposedly had more heart, he isn't above Kobe even though he's higher than Kobe in everything other than rings and he can thank Shaq for that.

[@dumbdumber7203]

really? Lebum had Wade, Bosh, Kyrie and Love - how many all-stars can you have and still lose that many finals!?

[@yeezusdropout]

Dumb Dumber and Kobe had Shaq the most dominant big man ever. Fuck u mean?

[@yeezusdropout]

***** cough cough LeBron lead his team to that point lmao

[@yeezusdropout]

***** jaja? U mean haha? Can tell your burrito eating ass is a Kobe fan.

[@M360-w6o]

This is the first time Skip called Lebron a stat sheet stuffer 🤣🤣🤣

[@russell9411]

Wtf was mj before pippen 1-9 in playoffs, lebron carried Cavs to east finals and nba finals

[@bs5lord]

mate comparing lebron on jordan is like saying 2-3 in finals is better than 6-0..stfu mate..nba nowaday is soft as a pillow..try to watch jordan rules and lebron the best flopper..and tell me whats good in lebron

[@skyseeker9735]

6-0> 2-3. Lecramp is nothing but a flopper

[@TieOnRadish]

Dwight Howard carried his team to nba finals by beating Lebron James.

[@russell9411]

lebron went against spurs dynasty 3 times in finals, kd and westbrook, warriors now , mj faced no talent like that ever

[@ClickitOrticket23]

Ballin Too you'retrippin

[@MCJayFloW]

Magic and Bird passed it on to Jordan, Jordan passed it to Kobe, Kobe passed it to LeBron...

[@jaybrick8973]

Kobe and Duncan passed it to LeBron

[@tylerwesley5531]

LBJ is the g.o.a.t

[@dumbdumber7203]

nah, not even top 5

[@kaushiksinha793]

Did u see Jordan play

[@losskamp]

Fax

[@bballah4lyfe]

@Juanderful Jordan/Kareem/Magic/Duncan/Russell.

[@mcoeif]

This is a no brainer. Kobe is not even better than Duncan and Shaq (who gave Kobe more than half of his rings). The best players of the post-Jordan era are... 1. Lebron 2. Duncan 3. Shaq 4. Kobe .....in that order.

[@CamronRobb]

lebron is my favorite player in the history of the nba. MJ is someone i believe could go toe to toe with mr. lebron. its a tie to me, not better player here

[@KINGDREWTV]

Tod Wilkinson Are you crazy kobe bryant is the best player of this generation

[@rebornphoenix5275]

did you just say pippen is more athletic than LeBron? sure he was a great athletic but not that good

[@CamronRobb]

Damian Vachuenk agreed

[@Born2Punch]

Tod Wilkinson LOL. Pippen was great wasn't he...couldn't win a ring without Jordan though hmm. You just sound like an old man that wishes he was born in these younger generations. Stay mad, brah.

[@rebornphoenix5275]

Candy Coated Poison hey Jordan would never won without him. every great player need someone else

[@TonyThaDon]

Hi, here in 2021 and Bron has 4 rings and Skip still sounds like this

[@flashgordon1541]

Lmao

[@fullmetal1766]

what's 4 rings compared to other all time greats ?

[@TonyThaDon]

@@fullmetal1766 it ranks with the all time greats who had the advantage of being drafted to competent, well-ran organization. So well-ran that they were oftentimes the oddmakers favorite pick to win the Finals.

[@blackmamba3060]

Kobe was quicker than lebron, and made after decisions, as well as being better at shooting. Lebron is better at everything else. But I think that Kobe is the better player because of his unreal effort and other intangibles.

[@Guglielmi12345]

His other intangibles,what turning the ball over and missing so much shots and not passing the ball.Yeah those are his intangibles

[@MinecraftGrandMaster]

+Paul Guglielmi 6k assists which is more than MJ.

[@FugieGamers]

+MCGrandMoose kobe had one of the longest carreers in the nba

[@MinecraftGrandMaster]

+Full dank yes that's true but it's not like he never passed. Ppl seem to miss the fact that after Shaq Kobe didn't rlly have anyone on his team for him to trust the ball with.

[@splashty09]

lebron has always been a leader in 4th qtr points and plays well in the playoffs every year vs boston game 7 2008 45 pts the 25 pts in a row vs detroit , game winners vs orlando and two vs washington, triple double vs celts g6 in 2010, took the pistons to 7 games in 06, and daggers vs the bulls and celts in 2011, im not gnna mention this years playofffs! if thats not clutch i dont know what is

[@bp5715]

Kobe and LEBRON can't be mentioned in the same sentence at mj. He is by far the best ever. And that, is not an opinion.

[@demasceionbyrd7840]

Brendan Ham Technically It Is A Opinion Because He Isn't

[@lyricssong7151]

Kobe is better than MJ well was better 💔

[@Advertyse]

Shaq averaged 29-13-3, Reggie averaged more than 20 ppg and is the 2nd greatest 3 point shooter ever, Larry Bird averaged almost around 26 points when MJ was around. All the other guys are all legends. Can you name these 20-25 superstars by the way? The ones that are better than all of the legends that MJ played against?

[@_nwhyseebender]

LeBresia 🤣🤣🤣

[@lbjblf]

Anybody else notice neither of them answered the actual question.

[@kareemali]

Kobe Bryant has clearly been the best since Jordan no question!!!!! are u serious ????

[@kareemali]

Kobe 5-7 in the finals Lebron is 2 out of 6 and routinely chokes in big moments

[@Simon-nv5zj]

well since Kobe played 2nd fiddle to Shaq im not sure how you figure that lol

[@tindobranic4791]

Kareem ALI you still believe this?

[@Shawn.Mathew]

Shaq you can make an argument for

[@demasceionbyrd7840]

Maxim Lekov 2nd Fiddle? Yet Shaq Called Him Best Player Ever. It's Funny How You Punks So Shaq Carried Kobe While Majority They Almost Averaged The Same Amount Of Points Yet When Wade Actually Carried Shaq Y'all Said Nothing.

[@IsaDRayM]

Its the reason Elgin Baylor isnt so high regarded. Its the reason nobody knows who Adrian Dantley is. Championships do speak of a player's dominance in given circumstances.

[@christopherraykarganillajr9898]

Kobe is the best player since Michael Jordan. MJ is still the greatest

[@jdtorres510]

+dyodoublej did you really just put LJ above kobe in clutch😒 smh we all know he has no clutch gene.. all his career the most important and biggest play (when it matters) he dishes it out. Fortunately, without Allen I don't think he would have won 1 championship, why?? because he doesn't have the will, if everything goes too wrong he looses enthusiasm for the current game. we've all seen it happen against Celtics, spurs (playoffs) like I said, when it matters, he's prone to making a bad decision. so as a fan of Lj, kobe, Mj, wade etc etc all those who are noticeably great.. he isn't clutch in crunch time and I'm not denying that he's shown up in some crunch times but like I said in times where it matters, to seal the deal he doesn't have the killer instinct, even though last season he was showing signs of it. just not enough without supporting cast.

[@jdtorres510]

+dyodoublej did you really just put LJ above kobe in clutch😒 smh we all know he has no clutch gene.. all his career the most important and biggest play (when it matters) he dishes it out. Fortunately, without Allen I don't think he would have won 1 championship, why?? because he doesn't have the will, if everything goes too wrong he looses enthusiasm for the current game. we've all seen it happen against Celtics, spurs (playoffs) like I said, when it matters, he's prone to making a bad decision. so as a fan of Lj, kobe, Mj, wade etc etc all those who are noticeably great.. he isn't clutch in crunch time and I'm not denying that he's shown up in some crunch times but like I said in times where it matters, to seal the deal he doesn't have the killer instinct, even though last season he was showing signs of it. just not enough without a supporting cast. (Original Starters)

[@jdtorres510]

+Tod Wilkinson this dude obviously doesn't know basketball and the difference in physicality between the generations and how "head to head" Jordans era really was.

[@FugieGamers]

michael jordan without pippen sucked lbj>mj

[@christopherraykarganillajr9898]

LBJ without wade and bosh sucked LBJ without love and kyrie sucked. MJ>LBJ 6 rings in 6 nba finals. enough said

[@aydobo]

there are great players to consider after MJ's glory days. players like shaq, duncan, and kobe. u cant just say that lbj is the best since MJ he won 1 ring with another superstar with him. duncan did it with parker and manu(not bad players but nothing like pippen and wade) it's just unfair to say that lbj is the best when he's still chasing after duncan

[@l2realisticand186]

KOBE IS BETTER IS LEBRON AND JORDAN BETTER THAN BOTH.SO PUT LEBRON VS KOBE

[@holypoop88]

He should have more success. He played longer than Jordan did by age 28. Lebron entered the league at 18; Jordan 21. Lebron was able to play 10 full seasons by the age of 28; Jordan only played 7 seasons. If you compare by their first 10 seasons, despite Jordan only playing 8 full seasons, Jordan has accomplished a lot more. And Jordan's legacy was cemented with 11 full seasons in the NBA when he retired in 1998; Lebron has already finished his 10th.

[@lilwalter18]

Shaq had 32+pts 15+rbs 3+blks...like he said them rings was handed to...

[@Callasn20]

At the end of the day, it doesn`t take an NBA expert to know that championships and "clutchness" is more important than numbers. Lebrons got the numbers, but I have to agree with both Stephen A and Skip for the fact that Lebron cant ALWAYS close. Yes MJ had those rare moments where he couldn` t either, but getting back to the subject, Lebron is simply not even close to being the best player since Jordan. Think of guys like Tim Duncan, Shaq, even Kobe, maybe even Dirk in there. All those guys stepped up 1) when they needed to 2) when they worked for the opportunity to. If anyone was to make a youtube video of lebron game winners, it may last 20 seconds with maybe 3-5 different games. Not a lot of moments in lebrons career where he comes through when he needs to. Look at duncans career for an example, and I dont know how many times you can find him in the post making crucial buckets that gives them the W. Lebron is great statistically, but I would argue that he is still not nearly as clutch as a lot of players in the league today. He is fun to watch, but he has not proven it yet. I think in the next upcoming years he can though, no doubt he has that potential. Although I believe this now, give Lebron 5 years and I can almost guarantee that he will prove me otherwise. But as of now, that answer is still not clear, but I believe Lebron really isnt even in that talk yet. Maybe when TIm Duncan retires, we can talk.

[@jaykyungchung2497]

Amen, word for word. I am not too hopeful for him overcoming his weaknesses though. Mental toughness is more of inborn than earned, especially with high pressure.

[@OKCthunderfansincechamps]

Nate Callas "championships" and "clutchness" so i guess robert horry is better than lebron

[@jakeplate2337]

And 5 years later and he still ain't clutch lol

[@jakeplate2337]

Nate Callas

[@JahHoopz]

This shouldn't even be a conversation, it's really Kobe, and Oscar Robertson is the greatest All-Around player ever.

[@jonathanwashington7510]

Give Kobe Jordan's Body And He'll Do Damage On Opponents

[@mercuraypeeeps9618]

Give bron the shaq that was with Kobe. Let's see.

[@Thekingpac2014]

No player in the last 20 years has averaged 27/8/7/1/while shooting a very impressive 56.7% from the floor and 41% from beyond the 3pt line,for the whole season.It's unreal how people underrate his play by saying he's "just dunking" which is very asinine to say,especially if you claim to be a real basketball fan.

[@myron314]

It's between lebron and duncan kobe is a distant third.

[@DJC-10]

Myron Rodgers L

[@younggod3906]

DJC 180 I thinking the same thing

[@willstylz5021]

lmao yeah right, Shaq admitted to being able to slack off cuz he knew Kobe would be ready to go, Shaq aint carry nobody. & 6 peat? lmaoo Shaq in the lane takes away Lebrons driving ability & makes him more of a jump shooter. Lebron aint closing out them games Kobe did vs the Spurs & the Kings in the WEST! lol. He's fortunate he played in the weak ass East with his stacked ass Heat & Cavs teams.

[@Ralph_Robert]

yeah, he traveled new york,indiana,boston and oklahoma city to get a ring

[@chicagosportsforlife4906]

kobe is better than lebron and MJ is a million times better than lebron and he always will be

[@CamronRobb]

y r u watching this again?

[@CalMilligan02]

No

[@zarinah12]

I am THE biggest Lebron fan ever but to say that at this point he's the best player ever os insane. He's the best player now by a milestone. I think he could surpass a lot of ppl on the list...but we just have to see AND the fact that he hasn't even entered his prime yet is damn scary.

[@josexavier1997]

Duncan, Shaq, and Kobe are all greater than Lebron.

[@maryakopyan3224]

So is Wilt, Russell, Oscar & Kareem.

[@josexavier1997]

I was referring to the players since MJ.

[@Mike-sx8nc]

josexavier1997 lol

[@crockerakahops90sjumpmantexas]

dumbass

[@josexavier1997]

Armani Smith Two years ago? I was right. Now? I still think Duncan and Shaq are greater, but Kobe is an argument now. I would say Lebron is now slightly ahead of him.

[@zmoneytmnt]

Oh my god! Jordan said Kobe and LeBron were tied but the tiebreaker was 5 rings to 1. God its so annoying when people say it.

[@andrewharper9848]

Lebron will never be over Mike or Kobe period the way I see it he's not the best in the NBA ritenow I give that to Anthony Davis how can u compare Mike 6 finals 6 rings or Kobe 7 finals 5 rings to James 5 finals 2 rings another thing bout Mike & Kobe didn't have to leave the team's they where drafted by to get rings & if u ask me Wade was a way better player in his prime than Lebron is now

[@andrewharper9848]

Wtf are u serious let's get this right the late 80s early 90s the game was more physical those NBA players took a beating every time they drove the ball to the rim it wasn't none of these weak fouls Jordan played when the game was brutal everybody was trying to knock him down on his ass every team was good & had 2 or 3 centers he had to fight the Bad boys the Celtics the Charles Barkley the not to bring up that New York Knicks team create flare stop smoking crack or u must be a young dummy that never seen Jordan play wtf dummy how many Championships would Jordan have if he would of said in his early years before his first ring I'm leaving the bulls to go play with the Lakers or piston fact Jordan didn't leave his team to get a ring he showed his team how to play to get one Pippin wouldn't be shit without Mike he never lost to nobody in the finals unlike Lebron the Spurs Dallas Golden State don't make me laugh they all got rings against Lebron if you want to talk stats let talk real stats Kobe 5 rings 7 finals Lebron 2 rings 6 finals 33 percent that sounds like failure to me unless you live in wack ass Ohio Don't ever compare Lebron to Mike or Kobe & like I said Wade was more dangerous in his prime point Theres always a idiot out there just like you

[@Dutch_Engineer_Piff_Dahnk]

Andrew Harper have you actually watched the nba in the 90's? look at the offensive sets bulls ran, no zone defense the paint was open

[@andrewharper9848]

U talking one team he'll yeah I watched the game in the 90s started watching the NBA in 87 & I'll say it again the game was more competitive this game today is soft compared to the 80s 90s & early 2000s every team had Centers that position is soft now the best center today is Howard who's got to be the softest big man I ever seen what the he'll u sAying Shaq Parrish Ewing the dream STOP u can't compare this street ball to them days of the NBA @ Itsme4746

[@ZGaming2018]

Andrew Harper i gotta disagree kevin durant is the best in the league right now hes so big can pull up basically unguardable and can handle the ball and has great defense. Hes way better at shooting then lebron will ever be.

[@andrewharper9848]

I think Anthony Davis is the best player in the NBA rite now

[@TheNFCnorth]

2000 Finals Shaq- 38 PPG, 17 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.7 BPG, 61% FG 96/157----6 games Kobe-16 PPG, 5 RPG, 4 APG, 1.4 BPG, 36% FG%, 33/90----5 games 2001 Finals Shaq- 33 PPG, 16 RPG, 5 APG, 3.5 BPG, 63/110 57% FG-----5 games Kobe- 24 PPG, 8 RPG, 6 APG, 1.4 BPG, 44/106 41% FG------5 games 2002 NBA Finals Shaq- 37 PPG, 12.25 RPG, 4 APG, 2.75 BPG, 50/84 60% FG----4 games Kobe-26 PPG, 5.75 RPG, 5 APG, .75 BPG, 36/70 51% FG-------4 games Kobe's fg% in his 7 Finals combined is 41% where did u get 45%?

[@chrissmith2966]

Lebron is overrated one player who is better than Lebron was Scottie pippen. Pippen was a better defender, a better shooter, he was more clutch than Lebron will ever be. How can u compare Lebron to jordan when he isn't even better than pippen

[@blueboy1394]

Defense I give you that but better shooter? Nah scootie couldn't shoot

[@coolbreeze369jc]

Defense you got that right , bt srry man Lebron can shoot better than Pippen but not by much

[@DoUEvenLift]

lmfao

[@Weber562]

I understand Scottie Pippen is one of the more underrated players in the history of the NBA man, but Lebron is a far greater player than Pips ever was. Maybe Pips doesn't get the credit he deserves because he was always in the shadow of u know who, but to say he was better than Lebron at any point is blasphemy. Pippen was a far better defender, I'll give u that one for sure, but the rest is a joke. When was Pippen ever considered clutch? I'd put him under 5gw shots for his career, he was never really a big game player in terms of offense. He was defensively clutch though, he shutdown some big time players in big games. Lebron is a better shooter from mid-range n long-range than Pips as well, just look at the percentages.

[@MCFoultier]

hm, jordan is the greatest ever, pippen even better than lebron, so both of them are better than him on the same team on the other hand, lebron only can win on stacked superteams jordan obv could do it all by himself something just doesnt make sense...

[@jayjesuswake3140]

Skipp n Stephen a ...actually really good together

[@H0VA]

This is the reason first take became so popular to begin with.

[@ThrashinDio93]

Because Shaq is a dominant big man, rebounds as well as points fall his way. Kobe is a shooting guard, his job is to shoot the ball. Shaq as a center is supposed to score, draw double teams, rebound, etc. Shaq was a beast and as a dominant center you have to do more and since he did more he was given more credit. With that said you still can't take it away from Kobe, Kobe was a huge part of the team too with Shaq there. And to this day Shaq says Kobe is the best so u have no argument

[@emperorbandoy7307]

Dirk deserved it more, Dirk = 36 mins per game, Kobe= 40 mins Dirk = 50%FG 17.2 attempts, Kobe =46.3 % 22.8 attempts If dirk shot as much as kobe he would also average 30 points per game. Dallas= 1st seed, Lakers= 7th seed Also Dirk follows their offensive flow, and builds more team chemistry, Not Hating on Kobe but even Phil said Artest/World peace is better on following Triangle offense than Kobe.

[@MrBuckeyesfan]

That is yet to be seen-let's see how he does in the Finals

[@EnduringArts]

The way I see it, players have a window of 13 seasons to match what MJ achieved. If they don't, they are automatically disqualified from the number 1 spot.

[@chrisomoney2369]

I love how haters talk shit about Lebron like they can beat him in a game

[@emokidelmo]

I agree, but nobody ever mentions why Kobe is better. You wanna know why? Because Kobe has a unique understanding of the game. If you watch him play, then you'll see how he runs the offense, he calls out his teammates defensive assignment, he runs that team as a point guard like coach on the floor. In timeouts. he's telling people what to do. He has a universal knowledge of the game of basketball.

[@yfactor555]

To be exact it's 43 percent and I know that is not very high but he still averages about 30 when he is 33 years old, I am not comparing him to anyone but don't you think that judging from a normal standpoint he is a prolific and efficient scorer ?

[@danerodiel494]

1) it's 18 and 8. 2) Ray is way out of his prime but shooting touch doesn't go away even if he's already old. 3) look at kobe's stats through 2000-2002 and tell me if he didn't earn those rings. 4) i admit lbj is the best right now but give credit where credit is due.

[@gotohellpunk]

Shaq = Batman, Kobe = Robin, what is there to argue about

[@MadagascarMarty]

Skip Bayless pisses me of so much . LeBron has more clutch shots then Kobe yet Skip never says Kobe isnt a clutch player .

[@TrillAnderson94]

So I guess you forgot the past 2 LA championships, were PAST PRIME Kobe led his team to 2 rings, people say it was all the 7 footers but the first one Bynum was constantly hurt, and the second one Gasol seemed like he was way out of touch

[@shatanapho8203]

And tonight Lebron James scored 37 points 9 rebounds 5 assists 2 steals and 2 dunks

[@BrainDesmo]

Great assessment, Steven and Skip know their stuff.

[@jhernandez111114]

Maybe you can say that in 2000 playoffs, but 2001-2002, Kobe=Batman, Shaq= Superman.Even in 2000 though Kobe was huge in game 7 against portland in the wcf. in the 2001 West Conference playoffs (where Lakers faced their BY FAR the toughest competition). 2002 playoffs:Kobe:26.6., 5.8, 4.6. 20.5 PER . And this lakers team still made three straight finals appearances winning back to back titles. 2001 WC Playoffs Kobe (11g): 31.6 PTS (.577 TS%), 7.0 REB, 6.2 AST, 1.6 STL, 0.5 BLK, 3.0 TOV. 2002

[@74RatPacker]

Floyd Mayweather and Rocky Marciano, both undefeated...so why is Muhammed Ali still widely regarded as "The Greatest"? If it were simply about stats and rings then we would all be debating between Russell and Wilt as to who is the Greatest. It's not JUST about what Michael Jordan achieved but the manner in which he did it, his heroics on the basketball court in the most crucial moments of the biggest games is what we remember, it's what cements his legacy as "The Greatest of All Time".

[@JohnnySensei7]

Why I believe Kobe is Jordan's equal. Remember nobody was scoring like jordan. And he intimidated everybody. But with Kobe he doesnt intimidate, He just performs. Just like with the Dream Team vs 2012. The game evolved. More foreign players came to the NBA and became tougher. SO the olympics became tougher. Plain and simple

[@cglennjr]

This here Is the difference between Skip and Steven A. They were both extremely hard on Lebron last season. The difference is that Steven A was always fair and unbiased while Skip....was Skip.

[@jamesr169]

Its not only about stats bro, its about winning... period. When Dirk won MVP in 07 his team won 25 more games than Kobe's lakers. Nash made a mediocre Suns team into legit title contenders which is why he won the MVP award. Winning is everything in sports, and if you dont win, then stats dont mean shit.