Why John Salley Would Take Prime Larry Bird Over Prime LeBron James | 5/31/24

Four-time NBA Champion John Salley joins the Dan Patrick Show and explains why he'd take prime Larry Bird over prime LeBron James

[@tomgribbin9531]

James Worthy said, " Micheal Jordan made you look slow , Larry Bird Made you look stupid ."

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

Yup. Whereas James mostly makes you look powerless because he is so much bigger at his position. A little bit like Shaq, although Lebron is obviously far more skilled.

[@jameschan9634]

@@JohnSmith-oe5kx Never been a big man with footwork like Shaq. When motivated and in shape, clearly the most dominant ever.

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

@@jameschan9634 Nah. Hakeem made Shaq look like he was wearing ski boots 😂 Shaq was always about power, but even more dominant when he was in shape and had a quick first step. Where Timmy had better footwork, it was less about the power.

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

​@@jameschan9634Hakeem>Shaq in terms of footwork

[@jameschan9634]

@@JamaicanMeCrazyTrue, but I said BIG men. Olajuwon was a small center. NEVER been someone as big as Shaq that could move and pivot so gracefully.

[@choward5430]

My answer is quick too! Larry Bird! PERIOD!

[@johnsantillan3755]

😂😂😂😂

[@thsu8]

Why would anyone take LeFraud James?

[@jonjonharreld7602]

​@@thsu8🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@leerob7738]

@@jonjonharreld7602- You poor people look for any angle to tear someone down. Y’all are broke but you will talk down on people you do not know.

[@jonjonharreld7602]

@leerob7738 All I Did Was Laugh And That's Your Response ? I'm On Google Are U ?

[@samknox1]

One time a reporter asked one of Bird’s teammates if he thought Bird was “lucky”. His response: “Yeah, he’s lucky alright, and the more he practices, the luckier he gets.”

[@tchai91]

Stolen from Gary Player, but that's fine.

[@aks957]

Gary Player says Hey

[@IronMikeSharpe-st2mn]

@@aks957 Both wrong...Ben Hogan.

[@Lunzatis_Palemoon]

@@skydust1269 To be fair, whoever answered that reporter put that "luck" topic to rest. It wasn't luck, it was hard work and Paul George saw that firsthand a couple of decades later.

[@tronaboron2064]

😂😂😂👍🏼

[@bringndaruckus6956]

Magic and Bird saved the NBA!

[@df6148]

How? Honest question

[@scottdavidson9963]

Naw, Julius Erving.

[@leodrosia4369]

​@@scottdavidson9963nba was in toilet in 79 even with Dr J but that was not his fault....Dr j also helped rejuvenate league

[@hashmoncrief6965]

​@@df6148in the early eighties the NBA was falling out, no one was watching it, it was boring to them, and then the Rivalry between Magic and bird picked the whole NBA backup in the United States , if it wasn't for magic and bird, Jordan wouldn't mean nothing right now

[@df6148]

@@hashmoncrief6965 Wow interesting Thanks! Sort of reminds me of the WNBA and how Clark and Reese’s college Rivalry brought attention to the sport.

[@apflor323]

Larry makes grown men cry...... LeBron makes himself cry from complaining

[@muffineyes]

bhwhahaha so true

[@margaretbehler4935]

Best comment!

[@tronaboron2064]

💯💯💯💯💯💯percent true!

[@comradeyellow6781]

Anyone who watched Bird play would take him over LeBron.

[@mark.8949]

truest statement ever

[@cjkoh8227]

True

[@Timewave-Zer0]

I’d take Larry Legend all day 🤞

[@TheReal704Champ]

I watched him play and I would've taken him over Lebron 10 years ago, but LeBron has passed him. It's ok to change your opinion when presented with new information.

[@comradeyellow6781]

@@TheReal704Champ This new information must be good, cause I don't know what LeBron is better than Bird at except maybe passing, and it's a big maybe.

[@9Ballr]

Taking Bird over LeBron is a no-brainer.

[@zigwil153]

I don't think LJ would survive playin in Bird's era

[@SupermanHopkins]

For those who have no brains, that's true.

[@gregoryphillips3969]

Thank you so much!

[@sheehancf9]

As in, if you take Bird over LeBron you have no brain

[@latortugapicante719]

@@zigwil153what the fuck does that even mean?

[@ehrenthompson7891]

No load management for Bird. Just grit, heart, and game.

[@adamjones4935]

He played with a bad back so bad he was red

[@kdonovan221]

Wilt one year averaged over yes over 48 minutes per game. I loved watching Larry as long as he weren’t playing the Knicks

[@codyaucoin3412]

@@adamjones4935 He waited until the doctors left the room, threw on his warm up jacket and went back out, and the coach looked at him and Larry said "Good to go." and when everyone found out they were pissed as hell, and Larry just said, we won didn't we?

[@speedy0]

They played hurt and aggressive. It’s a different era nowadays; players sit out with hurt pinky.

[@MrNaturalSez]

Larry load managed! Lying prone in front of the Celtics bench whenever he was off the court... that was Larry load managing!

[@Calidastas]

Bird instilled an attitude of winning and doing whatever it takes. Lebron instills an attitude of entitlement and excuses.

[@billmorrison9068]

Well said.

[@misinfluence]

That’s weird considering Lebron won more

[@Hydraxon1980]

@@misinfluence Not really since to win he hoped from team to team to link up with superstars. He couldn't create a single dynasty during his 20+ years in the league. MJ at 40 could have went to fucking lakers and get 3 more championships if he wanted to win more but that would be pathethic af...

[@seymourbutts4654]

Trump has the same attitude and sense of entitlement as Lebron.

[@Timewave-Zer0]

@@misinfluenceso basically you’re saying Sam Jones is better than MJ and Kobe because he had 10 rings with that logic 😂😂😂

[@votingcitizen]

Salley doesn't explain why he'd take Bird at all. He just says it immediately, with no hesitation. I presume he assumes everyone is familiar with The Legend.

[@TruthHurts58]

He sort of explained it when he said Bird would be icing every part of his body because he was playing injured and then show up the next day and play as if nothing was wrong. Lebron has never done that. He is the King of load management.

[@allenboyer2207]

"The way Larry would shoot the ball and it would find the rim every time"

[@scandelez]

He actually did explain it, he said he was a huge Boston Celtics fan growing up so he’ll probably never look at anyone being better than his hero. It’s like how AI will never say anyone is better than Jordan. It’s a biased opinion lol

[@votingcitizen]

@@scandelez When Salley was growing up, he was not a fan and Bird was not his hero. Bird was a contemporary to Salley. They played against each other for years.

[@JamesAngler]

@@greglbennettyep and Larry was better than him !!! Even with all those accolades

[@drinkmesilly]

Why would you even try to compare the two. Bird and Magic saved the NBA. The Dream Team. There's a reason Bird is called Larry Legend.

[@apartmenta4439]

I hate lebron, and love Larry, but thats not really an argument winner. It's not like Lebron was also there and unable to do those things when given the chance.

[@DrewHop325]

@@apartmenta4439 Everyone who played with Larry Thanked him for being so Great and loving the game while showing them what greatness was. Lebron thanked everyone who ever helped him win and showed him what a great player was...

[@margaretbehler4935]

@@DrewHop325 Nice!!

[@richardtrevino5516]

Larry bird was great on the floor Lebron is great on social media bird much than Lebron 😂

[@margaretbehler4935]

@@richardtrevino5516 I cannot understand the last part of your reply. Do you think Larry Legend or Lawhinna James is better? James is only good on social media if believe in victim mentality and do not want to make china mad.

[@michaelcarey5981]

That's a no brainer, Bird was the ultimate teammate. Not just shooter, great passer and play maker

[@TheReal704Champ]

He was, but so is LeBron

[@shandaman7243]

​@TheReal704Champ no. Lebron stalls the clock and then throws his teammates a grenade WAY too often. I'll take bird all day

[@TheReal704Champ]

@@shandaman7243 pretty impressive to be top 5 all time in assists if he's such a bad facilitator according to you

[@shandaman7243]

@@TheReal704Champ your words casual. Figure it out

[@TheReal704Champ]

@@shandaman7243 I acknowledge that Bird and LeBron are/were both great passers. You are the one letting your personal feelingd about a player prevent you from having an intelligent perspective on basketball. Casual. Try not to let your emotions dictate your ability to think, sweetie.

[@bigkw1568]

I will take a broke back Larry Legend over ANYBODY in today's Cupcake NBA

[@TheReal704Champ]

that sounds pretty zesty

[@adammetz7063]

You might want to edit that to "a broken back Larry Legend," lol......broke back Larry Legend can be interpreted with some innuendo that I don't think Larry would appreciate......😂

[@josemanuelcaballero1162]

@@TheReal704Champ Well Pippen and Jordan could not double team a broken back Bird (there s video evidence around) , so not very far fetched, considering they are two of the all time great defensive players.

[@TheReal704Champ]

@@josemanuelcaballero1162 PAUSE

[@SH-jv5uf]

Anybody?? That’s just emotion talking. Larry could barely run up the court at the end.

[@robertstout6111]

Just like MJ said, "Larry Bird is the greatest small forward of all time."

[@mensrea1251]

Actually LeBron said that as well. Bron has Larry in his all time starting five. People don’t understand how much respect LeBron has for Bird.

[@loydkline]

lebron james would have a bird sandwich

[@michaelhudson863]

@@mensrea1251Lebron has bird in his top 3!

[@kaekae1782]

😑 give it up man lol

[@michaelhudson863]

@@kaekae1782not sure who that was directed towards?

[@philipmccarthy6175]

As Kareem said , Larry had it in the top 2 inches.

[@loydkline]

dirk nowitzki us 7 foot tall, would have a bird sandwich

[@silvypetrisor6979]

LeBron James is on steroids and no one says anything

[@manimal9871]

Yep, been abusing gear for years too well over a decade.

[@tudorm6838]

Chael Sonnen? He said something about Lebron but about other PEDs.

[@daviddietsch]

True but I think most athletes are.

[@steveguse4481]

​@@manimal9871Probably since high school

[@TheReal704Champ]

Jordan went bald in his 20s, it was because of roids. Look, I can say shit with zero evidence too!

[@franz289]

Notice there was no blank space or hesitation when Sal said Bird. I was there too and the players Bird had to beat down to keep the Celtics on top are now hall of famers.

[@latortugapicante719]

That’s how it works in every generation hall of famers play hall of famers. It ain’t hard to make the hall of fame either r

[@tonyruby4467]

He in played in a era with arguably the greatest depth at SF, across the league.

[@joeborromeo8693]

Larry Bird has more guts and heart in his pinkie than Lebron has in his whole body

[@jameschan9634]

I don't think you can ever equate LeEGO with guts and heart. Has any True Superstar QUIT like LeEGO does? And we're not talking just one instance, he does it again and again and again.

[@rustinpeace9303]

Prime Bird would destroy anyone in the last 3 decades. This is a no brainer

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Can't argue with that.

[@bainer3052]

I remember prime Bird calling someone god in the last 3 decades.

[@Brasshound480]

​@@bainer3052He also never lost a playoff game to that guy and won more regular season games against him. Bird was giving MJ praise because he appreciates his killer instinct and all out play.

[@unnaturalselection8330]

​@@Brasshound480I love me some Larry, but it'd be disingenuous to not recognize that he was playing MJ in those 80s years with a fully realized lethal team around him ...against MJ and some guys no one remembers for a reason. ....But if you gave me Bird, Jordan, Barkley and Magic my team would smoke every team in every era

[@braviafeed]

@@Brasshound480 well Magic beat Bird in College and the Pros. How’s that work for you?

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

Easily bird. Lebron never made anyone better

[@scandelez]

lmaooo

[@viewfinder1030]

@@scandelez😂 is right!! 2007 Cavs anyone?

[@thomaslee2558]

@@viewfinder1030you celebrating that sweep like a chip huh you do realize how weak the east run was Wallace also left for bulls

[@each1teach1academy43]

This has to be a joke. Bird played on a stacked team.

[@rap3208]

@@each1teach1academy43 In college, he went to a small college with no basketball program to speak of and their team with no-name players with just him added went all the way to the ncaa championship where they lost to a stacked team with Magic johnson and the best high school playres they could recruit. In the pros, with just him added to the cellar dwelling celtics team that had only 22 wins the previous year, he turned it to the league leading winner of 67 wins, they even made it to the eastern conference finals but lost to Dr. J's much more talented team in 6 six games. His second year, they won the championship.

[@KeaKeith]

I have been saying this for years. Thanks for stating the obvious John. Prime Larry>Prime Lebron. Full stop.

[@cut1986]

Bird would have talked him off the court. Feelings..

[@user-zc3qs7qs8e]

Keep saying it…… you can be wrong for the years to come

[@celtsfan13]

Prime LeBron was unguardable in. You'd have to double him. But his outside shooting was suspect. Bird was much better passer and rebounder and could shoot outside . More polished offensively

[@invisalats841]

​@celtsfan13 Yeah, but all you gotta do is keep it close. Just wait for Prime Bron to disappear in the 4th. Unstoppable for all 3 quarters of his game...

[@rbarger71]

I love watching some of these young kids play. They are athletic as hell, but they don't have anything on the likes of Bird, Magic, Malone, Jordan and Kareem. LeBron be coming off the bench if he even makes my squad.

[@c99kfm]

If I didn't know the refereeing would work just as it does for 'Bron, he would not be on my bench, as he is a carrying, traveling, charging foul combination waiting to happen. If, on the other hand, I knew the refereeing would work just as it does for him, then sure - have him charge and dunk until he's tired for two or three free baskets (his endurance doesn't seem to be quite what it should be), then get the real SF (Bird) on the field ASAP.

[@dcbarrku4882]

The three best primes in NBA history: Wilt, MJ, and Bird.

[@jameschan9634]

sure can't argue that!! although I would add Magic. and I would choose Magic before anyone, period.

[@dcbarrku4882]

@@jameschan9634 You can never go wrong with Magic. He’s on my Mt. Rushmore of greats.

[@deryckcumberbatch3629]

Magic better then bird

[@chrisdell5679]

And I'd take Magic over Lebron.

[@bleedingcrystal4722]

There’s a strong argument for all three to beat the top. I’d put Magic at fourth but there’s a gap.

[@levarmoody6309]

Did you guard Bird..."yes" Successfully......"no" 😂😂😂

[@wordnerd2005]

Anyone that watched both careers would agree with Salley. Larry would just will his team to victory. Clutch game winning shots , passing , key steals , rebounding both hands eyes in the back of his head. Just incredible.

[@ericrobinson3995]

I said it before,,, Bird don't smile Bird don't shake hands Bird doesn't help an opponent off the ground, he puts them there Bird punishes people

[@yoe91]

"Larry Bird, in today's game, would score 55ppg. Easy. On 95%FG. That's during the regular season. In the playoffs, he wouldn't even play because his mere presence alone would make the entire NBA implode and turn into a single piece of chocolate cheesecake".

[@AyessaLasty]

Leclown to scared during clutch 😂😂

[@nicholasbrowning4558]

Not scared. But he was never a great finisher

[@krashg992]

​@@nicholasbrowning4558scared

[@skiiboskiyaboi]

lol people forget lebron has had so many clutch shots it’s crazy

[@novelaego2404]

@skiiboskiyaboi not really

[@skiiboskiyaboi]

@@novelaego2404 you should look up lebron clutch highlights

[@martinscalf114]

@razkable. Multiple NBA hall of famers say Larry Bird was one of the greatest players of alltime. Don't discount their opinion. When the game was on the line Larry Bird was the last you wanted see with the ball in his hands if you were his opponent.

[@je5406]

I never saw him play but I'll take the hall of famers word.

[@maxacorn]

@@je5406 there are plenty of vids to watch. bird was something else. dude would tell the other team what he was gonna do and then dared them to stop him. and they couldn't.

[@chrisbera7952]

John Salley, what a gentleman. Thanks for the great basketball memories

[@myfrestuff3453]

Loves me some Sal! Hilarity follows and ensues wherever he is! 😂🤣

[@HawkingRegime13]

This shouldn't be controversial, the media just loves LeBron so much it's blinded people.

[@razkable]

Are you stuck in mid 2010...did you watch lebron from 2010 to 2021...bird isn't going to 9 finals in 10 years with those cavs teams

[@cortomaltese7171]

@@razkable Lol clown

[@Vic-Vega]

​@@razkableSez who???

[@suiken3149]

@@razkable How many times Lebron won with those Cavs team? Bird took a 29-win team without even major rehaul on the roster to 61-win turn around within a year. And Lebron with his Cavs wouldn't survive the 80s east as almost all the contenders there have 50-60 wins. East back in the 80s was like West nowadays

[@peterkoroma7876]

just say you don't like how great he is lmao

[@frillo4th]

Larry Bird would take Lebron over Larry Bird

[@relativityventures1878]

Lol, these comments are laughable. In no universe is Larry Bird better than Lebron James lol.

[@2bannounced817]

Prime Bird at his absolute peak is better than any year LeBron. Bron has longevity over Bird only.

[@chrisbrooks6756]

Anybody that would take LeBron over Bird, never saw Bird play. I dont blame younger fans, if they do, they just dont know any better. The LeBron overhype is insane. Greatest of his generation, maybe, but not greatest all time.

[@derekilopan]

Well said. I watched 80s basketball as a kid and teen. People forget about the defense played in Bird's era - it was physical as hell. They also don't remember the fact traveling and carrying and palming violations were called, as was the 3 seconds in the paint. The game was different. The game was harder and the game was better. LeBron and many of the "stars' of today's game would struggle - not because they lack talent and size and shooting capabilities, but because they lack the ability to play basketball as it was meant to be played. It would be like tennis players going back to the wooden racquet with the smaller hitting area. I don't know how many of today's tennis stars could play a game that isn't primarily baseline power and 130+ mph serves. Again, sports evolve, but Larry could dominate in today's game. I don't think LBJ could. Now, if he had ever developed a post game, that would be a different story. Oh, and they didn't shout out "AND 1" after every drive and they didn't throw their hands up in the air looking and crying when fouls were not called - because they weren't fouls. Anyway, ranted enough. The original Spider is right.

[@chrisbrooks6756]

@@derekilopan I agree with absolutely everything you said. I've attempted to have this discussion with younger fans, with no success. Evolution and change doesn't mean "better", it just means different. Gus didn't use to give each other emotional support between each free throw, if you got knocked down, you didn't ask for help getting up, trash talk was between 2 guys, quietly with a smile, now it's a show to get attention. Way different mindset, now.

[@johnnythekid4601]

Its because Bird is white and today's generation its NO WAY WOULD A WHITE BOY BE BETTER THAN ANY BROTHA AT HOOPS like the scallange when you have LA fitness tatted rec league superstars say they could beat scal.... Im, too quick and athletic for him.

[@IScoreUnderPressure4]

Then why did bird himself say that lebron is arguably the GOAT?

[@chrisbrooks6756]

@@IScoreUnderPressure4 He's the most humble guy on the planet. He goes out of his way to praise today's game, either out of being diplomatic, or maybe he really believes it, hard to say, but there is a reason that Bird is overwhelmingly picked over LeBron, by a majority. It's all opinion, so there is no right or wrong, but look at Bird 84-86, and compare that to ANYBODY, and Bird has a good case.

[@jopinscott1777]

Bird is legendary, and picking him is a legit pick, but can we please stop acting like he played with a bunch of scrubs on his team. Also,anyone thinking Lebron couldn't have played in that era, first he would have come up playing the way they played in that era (unless you used a time machne), second, with Magic's skill set, McGrady's agility, and Malone's size, he would have been something never seen before in the league. People are letting their illogical hatred blind them to the truth.

[@innosanto]

Forget about the team we compare the players.

[@CharlesMacro]

I'm surprised and proud he actually told the truth! LeBron is paying so many people to lie about his false greatness or bullying people, I can't believe Sally told the truth. Kudos to him! 👏🏾💪🏾

[@HamptonGuitars]

ESPN seems like a 24/7 Lebron PR operation.

[@ethangildone865]

Everyone that knows Lebron has said he’s the cheapest person they know. He still had the ads on his pandora account. There is literally no chance he pays anyone for positive coverage lol.

[@alaskaguyd963]

Oh c'mon. I'm a Bird guy through and through but to imply Lebron isn't in the conversation as GOAT is just silly.

[@paulthomas9911]

@@alaskaguyd963 depends on how you view the game really. when you factor in....finals record, leadership, free throw shooting, picking high probability places on the floor for final shots, teammate development, defense....Lebron might not even be top 20 of all time. bird played hoops with his head.

[@wakeuptotheonepartyoverlor8797]

Think about this list: Wilt russell kareem bird magic mj Duncan shaq kobe. Good arguments for all of them over lbj. (Longevity notwithstanding)

[@ChristopherTeague-cs8vg]

THIS IS EASY. BIRDMAN OR LEBABY 😮. WELL BIRD NEVER LEFT HIS TEAM BEFORE THE GAME WAS OVER LIKE LEBRON DID 5 TIMES. NEVER JUMPED SHIP, NEVER GOT THE COACH FIRED, NEVER ALIENATED HIS TEAMMATES, NEVER WENT WOKE. LARRY JUST DID HIS JOB , WITHOUT POLARIZING EVERYONE. REALLY EASY 🤙🏿 🐦 🏀

[@razkable]

Imagine loving a guy who beat you...

[@jalesbarjo4740]

that's the real respect.

[@lotsamacha1112]

I mean, especially without the back problems and he could put in 5 more quality years give me Larry 100% of the time

[@timelesscoaching]

I'll admit I'm a huge Celtics fan and Bird was my hero. Transport LeBron back to the 80s and he would not be the same player. Transport Larry into the current nba, with current medical technology and he would easily be the best player on the court and lead his team to God knows how many championships. Is trash talking alone would make today's players cry. They would look to their coach and say please take me out this man is picking on me.

[@grominwithrob1339]

I would go Larry bird too. Larry controlled the game and could get his shots where and how he wanted them. Larry can will teams to greatness.

[@Dex000x]

The only people who would take LeBron over Bird are the people who never saw Bird play.

[@vernonhurley1300]

Dumb question. One gives you everything on every play the other quits on his team on half the plays.

[@ThatGuyMalasartes]

Larry is the one true GOAT!

[@elbrataz]

I don’t think LameBron is tough enough to have played in that era of NBA….

[@4everyoung869]

Lebron can play in any era. Dude body is a freak of nature

[@elbrataz]

@@4everyoung869 Great athlete. Softer than a fresh dog turn on a hot summer day. 80’s NBA was a way more physical game than today and they actually believed in playing defense.

[@4everyoung869]

@@elbrataz 80s nba was only more physical because they let them be more physical then they do today. You would get suspended the whole year if you played like the 80s.

[@rockroad4505]

80’s NBA was no defense and flagrant fouls.

[@3rdstreetreactions]

Lmao John’s background is hilarious

[@danzemacabre8899]

No hesitation with Sals pick on that one, there's only two other guys that had that stone cold killer like Bird and no surprise on the two MJ and Kobe ,short list

[@lazlojenkins4160]

Imagine Bird with Lebrons body

[@c99kfm]

Oh god. Pretty darn sure that would kill the first three-peat for MJ. Isiah may miss out on one or two rings as well. Magic certainly loses one or two rings. Hakeem could possibly keep his, as the rest of the Celtics would be old by then, but without his first three-peat (which he isn't getting) Jordan might not retire to play baseball. LeBron's physique with Bird's skills, hustle, grit, sense, trash talk and sheer will? Yeah, that's league-destroying. No way he'd end up with "only" three rings and three consecutive MVPs, especially if Boston still gets McHale, Parish and Johnson. To be frank, I have a hard time seeing anything other than the 80s being a repeat of the 60s, a Celtics dynasty with (possibly) one or two championships going somewhere else. They might even bring home the 1980 championship, with an "enhanced Bird" being able to do even more with Maxwell, Cowens and Archibald than he actually did. That might have crushed the idea of Magic and Bird being rivals, made the league a one-man show and ended up not raising the viewing numbers to what they originally were for the 90s, and the international explosion may not happen or be significantly delayed. Maybe it was for the best Larry and Magic were the lights that burned twice as bright, even if they only lasted half as long.

[@riffsthatkill2180]

He probably wouldn't have learned to play the way he did because he would've beaten people with athleticism and strength, and that changes how his game would develop. But give LeBron Larry's shooting, rebounding, anticipation, and killer instinct and you'd have no debate over who the greatest ever was.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Imagine Larry Bird healthy

[@cj2times955]

@@riffsthatkill2180 how to me how Lebron ain't a killer? LOL

[@davidboucher6450]

Bron is more athletic but Bird is taller, that's also a physical advantage. Of course, Bird can't jump but at his height, you don't need to. Look at Jokic, he's even less athletic than Bird but his height and size gives him big physical advantage over almost anyone in the league.

[@mletrout7942]

Lebron is overrated by a lot of people who don’t know the first thing about basketball.

[@jeffelkins1905]

No one in their right mind would even consider taking lebron over Bird.

[@mr.e347]

Id take Bird over Kobe too. Bird was clutcher and was a winner since day 1.

[@overratedgm5713]

I'd take Ainge over Kobe

[@jameschan9634]

@@overratedgm5713 you're not very knowledgeable.

[@overratedgm5713]

@@jameschan9634 Kobe is dead lol

[@stolensentience]

@@jameschan9634Kobe didn’t make his teammates better. There’s a good argument for ainge if you already have a solid core. No one gonna build around ainge obviously but he would be a much better final piece since Kobe’s ego is even bigger than his talent

[@jameschan9634]

@@stolensentience you confuse ego with Mamba Mentality: an all consuming drive to WIN. Kobe identified the teammates that could perform under his pressure to win, and those that were basically worthless, he blasted. Once again, posted Ignorance.

[@jc0257]

I would take prime bird over anyone

[@ryant3600]

FACTS!

[@soramirez5473]

me too.. i used to say Jordan 1 and Bird 1a.. but im starting to prefer Birds all around game to Jordan's two way dominance.

[@jalesbarjo4740]

@@soramirez5473 damn i thought i was alone thinking that!

[@jameschan9634]

Magic. Even Bird has said so.

[@soramirez5473]

@@jalesbarjo4740 yea I saw Mike as a teen, and Bird as a child so I was more intelligent during the 90s, more aware, so Jordan was that guy for me (especially as a knicks fan), but as i re watch bird and understand MORE NOW, i feel like Bird was actually better.

[@BDot-dv7lq]

Bird was absolutely the best basketball player to ever step on the NBA hardwood. Not the fastest or highest jumper, but the best.

[@innosanto]

If certain facets of player are taken it is MJ but if all facets with the blocks, the moves and stuff in critical moments, the passes, the leadership etc it may be Larry Bird if the time span is taken as what it was from start of career up to surgery of heels which led to miss a season and simultaneous worsening of the break in the back.

[@jeffandsherriefranzwa8970]

Larry has always been underestimated because of his lack of physical skills. His basketball skills and ability to anticipate gave him the edge.

[@MrSmitty1074]

His fundamentals were great.

[@rtd9153]

Who ever underestimated Bird? Because it was nobody who ever watched him or competed against him. He was considered the best and few people argued that in his prime.

[@jeffandsherriefranzwa8970]

@@rtd9153 How old are you?

[@rtd9153]

@@jeffandsherriefranzwa8970 I'm pushing 60 and I used to love to watch basketball going back to the 70's but especially in the 80's, with Boston being my favorite team. Yes, everybody noted he seemed slow and couldn't jump (etc) but nobody "underestimated" Bird. At least not the one's who competed against him. Otherwise, produce the footage because I watched it live. The only ones' who underestimated him were the one's who didn't know anything about him. Patrick Ewing came in the league with some of those notions but he quickly found out how great Larry was. There is a interview of Ewing describing just that.

[@rtd9153]

@@jeffandsherriefranzwa8970 I'm pushing 60 and I used to love watching basketball going back to the 70's but especially in the 80's being a Celtic fan. Yes, Bird was considered slow and couldn't jump but nobody who competed against him or who watched the league "underestimated" him. The guy competed in 5 championships winning three, was league MVP 3 years in a row, and everybody considered him the greatest clutch player. The only ones who "underestimated" him didn't know anything about him. Patrick Ewing came in the league with some of those notions but he immediately found out just how great Larry was. There is a good interview of him describing just this.

[@7080nik]

Larry and Magic saved basketball, Lebron is tanking it.

[@josemanuelcaballero1162]

To me Lebron is irrelevant in basketball terms. He s added nothing and just makes sure he prolongs his career making stats that do not help his rosters make anything significant,just for self susteinance of his already over inflated ego. kevin Durant may be worse in that aspect, and the extreme case is James Harden. They are totally irrelevant. In 25 years no one will speak of them. What this sport needs to be saved are folks like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Domantas Sabonis ,and that guy from the NY Knicks, Jalen Brunson. He s got them balls.

[@lukelucky1311]

Bird is infinitely better then Bron

[@stolensentience]

definitely

[@greywolf4784]

most of those commonly included in the top 10 greatest players are real men. then there's lebron who's a freak of nature who behaves like a spoiled brat.

[@shemereali551]

Stop it john salley um Lebron played with wade,bosh an kyrie while bird played with d.j.johnson,robert parrish,kevin mchale and bill walton which means bird played with 4 hall of fame players an Lebron played with 1 maybe 2 hall of fame players there's no comparison Lebron wins this easily

[@kenneth9874]

Playing with Bird elevated them into hall of fame players....Lebron not so much....

[@shemereali551]

@kenneth9874 Kevin mchale was already a hall of fame player with or without bird so was D.J. johnson as well and as far as wade or irving they couldn't get there team out of last place until Lebron got there and went from worst to first and winning the nba Championships point blank period

[@kenneth9874]

@@shemereali551 check out the percentage of Celtic wins during Birds rookie season compared to the year before....

[@shemereali551]

@@kenneth9874 Bird played with more hall of fame players than Lebron did point blank period

[@kenneth9874]

@@shemereali551 yes, his ability and play making helped create them....

[@billycain9890]

In there prime I would take bird for 4 or 5 years he was the best basketball player in the world

[@shawnshell5961]

I can’t believe how badly the LeBron hate is. The man came out of high school and was immediately a grown man in the NBA. Neither Larry nor Magic could have done that!

[@danhantheman]

None of these losers would take bird over Lebron if their lives depended on winning

[@melvinhhcp3615]

What are you talking about Magic won in 80. Larry won in 81. Lbj didn't make it to the playoffs until year 3 of his career.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

​@@danhanthemanlbj has 3x more Finals losses than Bird. Your logic is terrible.

[@shawnshell5961]

@@melvinhhcp3615 Are you serious? If LeBron came in the league with Kareem as his center, he might be Wilt ring status!

[@marykuettner752]

​@@danhanthemanunless you actually watched them both. Love Bron but Bird's bb IQ is just better. I take mind over matter everytime. Bron seems determined to ruin his legacy by pushing Bronny into the NBA way before he is ready and J.J. Reddick as coach. It is a shame.

[@TimPerdue-n8w]

And have Kevin McHale guard LeBron

[@SecureCrow]

Larry Legend! He'd have the same career even in today's league.

[@mark.8949]

probably even better

[@philipmccarthy6175]

Probably even more successful, especially with modern medicine, strength & conditioning & diet.

[@HonoluluBlue81]

I think most people who’ve seen them both play in their prime would take Bird.

[@BasketballJones48021]

Career wise it’s LeBron.. but as far as peak/prime? Larry Bird…

[@3cardick]

2nd year in Miami LeBron "Peak" was the best single year player in the history of the league and its not even close. His jumper was wet, nobody dared get in front of him during a fast break, he could jump out of the building and was guarding everybody on the court (1-5)with ease, even during the playoffs. He also dismantled the first REAL big 3 single-handedly in game 6 of the ECF. Nobody, not Jordan, not Bird, nobody has ever played at that level.

[@thediseaseisthecure]

@@3cardick Best seasons all time 1) MJ 1995-1996 2) Wilt 1966-1967 3) LeBalco 2012-2013 (better luck next time)

[@sideshowbobsaget8876]

​​​@@3cardickLMAO no he wasn't. LeBron cant guard 1-5. The Celtics were old when Miami beat them. LeBron has never had a consistent jumper. 86 Bird, 91-Jordan clear LeBron

[@3cardick]

@sideshowbobsaget8876 Bird and Michael never had games like that. System players with hall of fame coaching, against inferior teams. Sorry, that will never change. Bird was nasty, no question... but vs prime LeBron? That's laughable. And yes, LeBron was guarding the entire court. Go watch some playoff and regular season film from that year. He was robbed of DPOY.

[@sideshowbobsaget8876]

@3cardick Stop it. LeBron couldn't even guard J.Terry. Al Horford Hawks won 60 games. That's not happening in the 80s-90s. LeBron "GOAT" case is built on propaganda.

[@pjpj2639]

For sure…easy choice…….weak league now ……va bigger stronger more athletic league back then

[@savage1632]

Magic Jordan Bird Wilt Shaq my starting 5

[@scottdavidson9963]

Will not make the playoffs.

[@savage1632]

@@scottdavidson9963 🤣🤣🤣🤣 quiet you

[@adriansellers7168]

Magic Jordan Bird Wilt Russell

[@hashmoncrief6965]

Kareem, Magic, Kobe, Larry bird, Dennis Rodman.

[@sima2164]

Jordan, Kareem, Bird, Magic, Hakeem. Top five of all time I can't find a spot for Lefraud anywhere near my top 10

[@lesliehill962]

I would take LeBron Anyday over Larry 💯

[@jonjhon8491]

Ole Johnny boy has always had a vendetta against MJ. 🙄

[@Wyndamn]

Probably because the pistons beat Chicago in the playoffs???

[@ryant3600]

Anyone that got to see Bird play in the day.. Would too in a heartbeat.. Bird would have Lebron in the fetal position sucking his thumb crying for his momma.. Fact!

[@lynnerose7891]

Prime Larry won 2 rings and never beat THE BEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE. Seriously the Lakers were the best WC team in 1987 and Prime Larry got bodied. LBJ in his Prime, 3 Rings and beat a 73-win team AT HOME IN THE NBA FINALS, yet another thing Larry never did, win a ring on the road. Just stop it and pretend you were integral to 2 titles John. You weren’t but at least you had fouls to give.

[@sipoway]

They all feared Bird, as great as Lebron is does anyone in the NBA fear him? They admire him but they don't fear him...Larry Legend they feared playing against.

[@TheLakers81]

NBA players know the real...NFL players and media choose Lebron...think about it

[@SealofPerfection]

He's right. Bird in his prime was better than Lebron, and was an ice-cold assassin on top of that. Lebron could jump higher, I guess, but Larry was a better basketball player.

[@MrSmitty1074]

Birdman was a beast.

[@dougmiyamoto3109]

The only thing Lebron has over Bird is that his body didn't give out on him. Bird is one of the 2 greatest dogs to ever play the game. Along with MJ. (apologies to Kobe whom I put 3rd) And one of the 2 greatest basketball IQ's ever- along with Magic. And one of the greatest shooters ever. The only thing that even keeps Lebron in this discussion is his athleticism/work ethic - which are to be commended.

[@augustwest3118]

And a lifetime prescription from Balco don't hurt, or does it?

[@tudorm6838]

Bird is the closest GOAT candidate who seems to not be taking PEDs. Lebron ...

[@surewhynot6040]

Every single person who is even slightly familiar with the NBA would agree with him.

[@JL-rv9lm]

This is the last comment I’ll make(some will be happy). If you think Bird is God, fine, but when you act like LeBron is nothing, you are making fools of yourselves.

[@stephenmauriellomortgage]

Yes, anyone who is an adult, knows basketball, and has an IQ north of 80, knows Larry Bird was a superior player to LBJ. This goat discussion is embarrassingly stupid, as are 99% of LBJ fan boys.

[@SuperGuitarDude7]

I don't think this is a big diss. I don't like LeBron for offcourt stuff but I know he's a great player. I just would pick prime Larry Bird over him. I watched both of them in a ton of games and that's just my opinion.

[@poocrayon4588]

It’s not. Bird was the best player on a massive hot streak in the mid 80’s until he hurt his back (still good after though). Those 4 or 5 seasons where some of the best consecutive years played by any player.

[@shawnbraun9020]

It's crazy to say that larry is levels above LeBron. They're different in so many ways. I think alot of people choose Larry because of his will to win like lebron dont wanna win. Lebron is fucking 6'8 265 and moves like a cat. Hate on Lebron all you want he could play in any generation and dominate. Just like Larry could as well.

[@finsfan90]

Bird >>> LeFlop

[@williamcarter9066]

Larry Bird was a phenomenal player and at the time another great white hope 😂😂😂😂 And now they’re trying to make CC the next great white hope but thus far no champions and didn’t make the Olympic team !! So the score card says at this point Ms Caitlyn is a the great white NOPE 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ricsarmiento661]

"He's slow and couldn't jump", the skeptics said. BIRD is an ELITE SHARPSHOOTER, a BRILLIANT ALL AROUND PLAYER, a GREAT FASCILITATOR/PASSER, the BEST CLUTCH PLAYER, made his TEAMMATES BETTER, the GREATEST TRASH TALKER, and have SUPERIOR BASKETBALL IQ. LARRY BIRD is NBA'S GOAT of the 80's 🐐

[@poocrayon4588]

He wasn’t really slow until he hurt his back. He wasn’t a super athlete by NBA standards before but he was much faster than Luka and Jokic who he is compared to today.

[@delaliy545]

Idk why people keep disrespecting Bird. Bird is the only player that you knew had that it takes a miracle to beat. You do not walk in Boston and walk away with a victory if it's not Magic and Kareem hook shot. If you don't have those 2 elements, you have no shot NONE. Mj and Isaiah I'm sorry you guys are in my top 5 but you're not going to Boston and walking away with a W

[@patricksmith6796]

This is without question, Larry Bird with Magic turned the NBA into show time and became must see TV, Larry dished it and took it and kept on making players look silly.

[@nachohernandez9491]

Finally someone who knows real basketball saying Bird was way better People don't know how awsome was bird and never had a weak mindset like bron and had that mentality

[@pnojazz]

How many points did Larry score in his career with his bad back?😂 And Salley is guarding LeBron?😂😂😂

[@Sclass_Ent]

Bugging out. Lebron would DESTROY larry bird

[@codustv1465]

Larry is a leader, Lebron is a Leech.

[@billbarnes590]

That’s a good interview. I’m gonna have to try to find the whole thing, but Larry Bird did get back at Isaiah. He waited till what the day before the season and he fired him and brought his own coach and I thought that was hilarious and we all knew that that was payback.

[@RD22]

As a Sixers fan back then, I of course hated Larry & the Celtics with a passion. I am from Ohio so I followed LeBron since his Freshman year at St Vincent. LeBron James had a wonderful career, but Bird at his best was a little better because of his shooting. Bird was from a different feather

[@cyrex6519]

I would take larry bird to over bron.

[@STONESGAM]

LeBron was only better in two areas. Athleticism and longevity and who knows what "supplements" he takes to still be playing at his age at a high level. Bird was a better shooter and rebounder and passer and leader and played during a rougher era. He would light the league up today with how many 3 pointers these guys throw up per game these days with little defense being played. And this is what truly separates him from LeBron. Bird would never, ever shy away from taking clutch, important shots in a big game. LeBron has done this numerous times over the years. LeBron is a cry baby and prima donna who likes to think he is some sort of political figure or something. Yet he never engages in any substantial conversation with anybody who challenges his views on anything. I realized that has nothing to do with basketball but is another reason I dislike him

[@The-Shane]

Larry was the OG vanilla ice

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

Bird was so talented, so determined and so smart a player ..... no other player was on his level. WATCH the videos .... Bird was relentless as well as more savvy with passing NO ONE was doing .... and shooting under pressure LIKE A LOCK, ...... bucket. jj

[@cuts240]

People do NOT realize the greatness - the elite nature of Larry (“Larry Legend”

[@purplehayes8687]

I don't understand isn't lebron Sally's goat? I could be wrong....I thought I heard him say that tho

[@mdro434]

Larry LEGEND I’m taking any day

[@thesentinelsfootballchanne3212]

I was alive for the Jordan era and I remember the dream team and the marketing. McDonalds had this great commercial of MJ and Bird playing a shot for shot game. And just by the way they associated Bird's skill with MJ's skill made my 5 year old mind go "He must be a bad motherfucker", and then you watch the highlights as you've matured and you see he had swag when he played too! Very jelly of you who got to see this man play his career. He's cold dude.

[@murphtahoe1]

Dude, Salley is just the coolest guy out there.