Who is the greatest NBA player off all time? LMAO

[HollisterGirl98]

I think Rajon Rondo :D

[NZRULLZ]

afhejfb

[Austin2]

Micheal Jordan, but Lebron James is second and has the potential to surpass MJ.

[WickedWeekend]

LeBron is no doubt the best player in the game right now, but the all time best player has to be Michael Jordan.

[roadwarrior]

Michael Jordan, best player of all time!!

[WickedWeekend]

The final verdict: Michael Jordan. He did basketball. Let's just say he balled. He failed so hard at baseball, though. Oh the horrible memories.

[PinkFloyd]

MJ is the king of pop I MEAN BASKETBALL! ;)

[Southside]

Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, or Kobe...Until Lebron get's ATLEAST 5 or 6 championship rings he's not in the discussion. I'd even be willing to put people like Tim Duncan,Shaq, Magic Johnson, or Scottie Pippen before Lebron in the "greatest NBA player ever" discussion.

[WickedWeekend]

Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, or Kobe...Until Lebron get's ATLEAST 5 or 6 championship rings he's not in the discussion. I'd even be willing to put a person like Tim Duncan or Shaq before Lebron in the "greatest NBA player ever" discussion.

You have to admit though, LeBron is the best player in the game right now. There's no denying it.

[Southside]

You have to admit though, LeBron is the best player in the game right now. There's no denying it.

Yeah..No doubt right now Lebron is the best. Though in the "greatest ever discussion" I hear people putting Lebron over people like MJ, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Kobe.

Here's my personal list:

1. Michael Jordan(As we say in Chicago, Ball God)
2. Bill Russell(11 Championships? Come on...)
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Magic Johnson
5. Shaq(No one could stop Shaq in 2000-2003, he'd have about 7 championships if he'd had stuck with the Lakers).
6. Hakeem Olajuwon(No doubt one of the best big men of all time)
7.Scottie Pippen(People always forget Scottie, if Scottie wasnt on the Bulls in the 90's, MJ would only have about 3 or 4 championships).
8. Tim Duncan
9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
10. Robert Parish(He played for 20 seasons I believe, the oldest to win a NBA Ring, 4 Championships)

Lebron is somewhere in the 20 to 30 spot.I'm sorry but Rings are everything..Lebron has two and everyone on this list(except Hakeem) has over 2...

[clmbusboy1]

I don't see how you can say anyone but Jordan. But each season Lebron inches closer. I think Jordan started his championship run at 28. Lebron is 28.

[MoonMan]

Yeah..No doubt right now Lebron is the best. Though in the "greatest ever discussion" I hear people putting Lebron over people like MJ, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Kobe.

Here's my personal list:

1. Michael Jordan(As we say in Chicago, Ball God)
2. Bill Russell(11 Championships? Come on...)
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Magic Johnson
5. Shaq(No one could stop Shaq in 2000-2003, he'd have about 7 championships if he'd had stuck with the Lakers).
6. Hakeem Olajuwon(No doubt one of the best big men of all time)
7.Scottie Pippen(People always forget Scottie, if Scottie wasnt on the Bulls in the 90's, MJ would only have about 3 or 4 championships).
8. Tim Duncan
9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
10. Robert Parish(He played for 20 seasons I believe, the oldest to win a NBA Ring, 4 Championships)

Lebron is somewhere in the 20 to 30 spot.I'm sorry but Rings are everything..Lebron has two and everyone on this list(except Hakeem) has over 2...
If rings are truly everything then Robert Horry should be in your top 10...that statement makes no sense whatsoever. I don't categorize anyone with the greats until their career is over because, statistically, Lebron has more accomplishments at 28 than Michael Jordan did at the same age yet I don't consider him to be better because Michael Jordan's greatness endured for an entire career. This is something I can't say for James because he's not even close to being done yet. I can say, however, if LeBron continues at this pace he is well on his way to being on that top 10 list by the time his career is over.

[Southside]

If rings are truly everything then Robert Horry should be in your top 10...that statement makes no sense whatsoever. I don't categorize anyone with the greats until their career is over because, statistically, Lebron has more accomplishments at 28 than Michael Jordan did at the same age yet I don't consider him to be better because Michael Jordan's greatness endured for an entire career. This is something I can't say for James because he's not even close to being done yet. I can say, however, if LeBron continues at this pace he is well on his way to being on that top 10 list by the time his career is over.

Answer this one, do think MJ would be considered the greatest ever if he hadnt won any rings? It's many more who would be on this list if they'd won a ring, people like Reggie Miller, John Stockton, Vince Carter, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing..Shit, even Charles Barkley! I never said Lebron was a weak player, he's been the best for 3 or 4 years now, I'm just saying until he atleast gets 2 or 3 more rings he will never be considered in a lot of peoples(including mine) Top 10 list. The NBA is pussy now too, MJ EXCELLED in a much more phyiscal NBA, where you could actually play defense without getting a shit ton of fouls. Half of the stuff NBA players pulled in the 80's,90's would have been a fine, game suspension,ejects, and plenty of Techs in todays NBA.

[MoonMan]

Answer this one, do think MJ would be considered the greatest ever if he hadnt won any rings? It's many more who would be on this list if they'd won a ring, people like Reggie Miller, John Stockton, Vince Carter, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing..
Of course not, but saying rings are "everything" is ridiculous. You could be a great player without any rings (as you've indicated with those examples) but just because you have rings doesn't make you great. So, clearly, they're not everything despite being vastly important to a player's achievements and image. Not to mention LeBron James is still young and he already has 2 rings and a good chance at a three peat so I'm not sure why you would mention rings as an issue in the first place. Kobe Bryant had 3 rings and Michael Jordan only had 1 ring at his age, so I think patience is a key word here when forming these kind of lists.

[Southside]

Of course not, but saying rings are "everything" is ridiculous. You could be a great player without any rings (as you've indicated with those examples) but just because you have rings doesn't make you great. So, clearly, they're not everything despite being vastly important to a player's achievements and image. Not to mention LeBron James is still young and he already has 2 rings and a good chance at a three peat so I'm not sure why you would mention rings as an issue in the first place. Kobe Bryant had 3 rings and Michael Jordan only had 1 ring at his age, so I think patience is a key word here when forming these kind of lists.

Soon as D-Rose gets back, it's over for the Heat, its gonna be the Bulls & Indiana my friend...
People tend to forget players that dont have a NBA title, I'm sure if players like D-Rose,Durant,Carmelo dont get rings they'll be forgotten.

[MoonMan]

Soon as D-Rose gets back, it's over for the Heat, its gonna be the Bulls & Indiana my friend...
Whatever you say. All I'm saying is the heat is the team to beat right now and, as long as they have LeBron James and co, they'll remain the team to beat. Besides, Indiana and Chicago are both in the Eastern Conference so I hope you're not referring to them as the finals matchup...

[Southside]

Whatever you say. All I'm saying is the heat is the team to beat right now and, as long as they have LeBron James and co, they'll remain the team to beat. Besides, Indiana and Chicago are both in the Eastern Conference so I hope you're not referring to them as the finals matchup...

Of course I mean in the East, East is obviously more hotter than the West right now. You cant deny, a healthy Bulls squad is death for the Heat.

[MoonMan]

Of course I mean in the East, East is obviously more hotter than the West right now. You cant deny, a healthy Bulls squad is death for the Heat.
We'll see. Everyone is going to improve next year, including the heat (Pat Riley is not just going to sit back and ride the train, expect the heat to sign Greg Oden or another championship hungry big man who can rebound for the veteran's minimum). With solid rebounding and some actual size, the heat's one true exploitative weakness is gone. They'll be tough to beat. The heat also did just win back to back championships, I wouldn't count them out just like I wouldn't count the bulls out.

[zeebo]

Well, while Rondo may be an entertaining player, he isn't even the best point guard in the league; In my opinion, that title goes to Chris Paul, my all-time favourite player. Overall though, there are too many players to choose from. People forget that sports are so objective, and do not realize that the most that can be done is group them into categories.

[Austin2]

If ring are everything does that make Noris Cole a better guard then Steve Nash. I think not, Rings are TEAM recognition, not individual recognition.

[Southside]

If ring are everything does that make Noris Cole a better guard then Steve Nash. I think not, Rings are TEAM recognition, not individual recognition.

Just like I asked the other guy, do you think people like Kobe,MJ, Hakeem would be considered the greatest if they hadnt won rings? Of course Norris cole isnt better than Steve Nash, though I'll take the "rings are everything" back. Rings mean A LOT...

[Celtic.]

Micheal Jordan, but Lebron James is second and has the potential to surpass MJ.
third. Kobe in his prime was Ahead of what Lebron is now.
so
1. Mj
2 Kobe prime
THEN
lebron.

[MoonMan]

third. Kobe in his prime was Ahead of what Lebron is now.
so
1. Mj
2 Kobe prime
THEN
lebron.
Seems like a straw man argument. I'm assuming by "in his prime" you mean around the same age as LeBron otherwise it would completely unfair to compare the two (no matter what actual timeline in Kobe's career you're referring to) because Kobe has had a longer career than James and we don't know what James will accomplish in the future. Lebron has 2 rings, 4 MVP awards, 2 finals MVP awards. Kobe, at age 28, had 3 rings but no mvp awards. Would it be fair if I placed "Lebron James at age 28" at number 1 ahead of both Bryant and Jordan simply because he accomplished more at that age? No, which is why we should wait until both of their careers are over until we truly compare them to guys like Jordan, unless you're comparing them by what they had done at Jame's age since its the only way you'll actually have stats for all three of them to rely on. None of these lists make sense otherwise because we don't know what James, or even Kobe for that matter, will do later on. He could get better and surpass both of them by the time he's 33 or he can fall off completely. Nobody knows for sure.

[boringkid]

OMG, NO1 MENTIONED DR.J or The human highlight film, they were awesome

[ryan17]

Michael Jordan.. Lebron's a close second though

[Camazotz]

Yeah..No doubt right now Lebron is the best. Though in the "greatest ever discussion" I hear people putting Lebron over people like MJ, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Kobe.

Here's my personal list:

1. Michael Jordan(As we say in Chicago, Ball God)
2. Bill Russell(11 Championships? Come on...)
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Magic Johnson
5. Shaq(No one could stop Shaq in 2000-2003, he'd have about 7 championships if he'd had stuck with the Lakers).
6. Hakeem Olajuwon(No doubt one of the best big men of all time)
7.Scottie Pippen(People always forget Scottie, if Scottie wasnt on the Bulls in the 90's, MJ would only have about 3 or 4 championships).
8. Tim Duncan
9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
10. Robert Parish(He played for 20 seasons I believe, the oldest to win a NBA Ring, 4 Championships)

Lebron is somewhere in the 20 to 30 spot.I'm sorry but Rings are everything..Lebron has two and everyone on this list(except Hakeem) has over 2...

Hahaha, oh geez, Robert Parish isn't even Top 30. Maybe Top 50. Pippen's too high (not top 10), Kareem too low (would probably put him above Kobe), but that list isn't too bad. Except for Robert Parish. That's so laughably bad of a pick, I can't even. I think you may have forgotten Larry Bird.

Answer this one, do think MJ would be considered the greatest ever if he hadnt won any rings? It's many more who would be on this list if they'd won a ring, people like Reggie Miller, John Stockton, Vince Carter, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing..Shit, even Charles Barkley!

Didn't Vince Carter win one with Dallas in 2011? Also, all those players are Hall Of Famers (except for Carter), but none of them (except maybe Barkley) are Top 10 material in my opinion.

I never said Lebron was a weak player, he's been the best for 3 or 4 years now, I'm just saying until he atleast gets 2 or 3 more rings he will never be considered in a lot of peoples(including mine) Top 10 list. The NBA is pussy now too, MJ EXCELLED in a much more physical NBA, where you could actually play defense without getting a shit ton of fouls. Half of the stuff NBA players pulled in the 80's,90's would have been a fine, game suspension,ejects, and plenty of Techs in todays NBA.

Agree with everything except the underlined part. LeBron has been, is, and will be the most dominant player in the NBA since Shaq. He's so athletically gifted and has such a high basketball IQ, he's worthy of being in a top 10 list.

Not to mention LeBron James is still young and he already has 2 rings and a good chance at a three peat so I'm not sure why you would mention rings as an issue in the first place. Kobe Bryant had 3 rings and Michael Jordan only had 1 ring at his age, so I think patience is a key word here when forming these kind of lists.

This is the best response for LeBron "haters." First it was "he can't win one." And then it was "he can't win two." What more does he need to prove? He's 28 and already been compared with Michael since he was 17. By the time he's done, then we can (hopefully) look at his career objectively and then decide. As of right now, the dude's a beast.

I think Rajon Rondo :D

I'm a Celtics fan, but lolol. He's not even the Greatest in the Atlantic Conference.

Well, while Rondo may be an entertaining player, he isn't even the best point guard in the league; In my opinion, that title goes to Chris Paul, my all-time favourite player. Overall though, there are too many players to choose from. People forget that sports are so objective, and do not realize that the most that can be done is group them into categories.

I agree with this for most players and arguments, especially a Top 10 list where positions and eras really make a difference. However, I think it's safe to say that in this case, the best overall point guard in today's game is Chris Paul. He's not as athletic, as say, Russell Westbrook, but I would definitely say that Chris Paul is the clear leader among point guards today.

third. Kobe in his prime was Ahead of what Lebron is now.
so
1. Mj
2 Kobe prime
THEN
lebron.

Lol, have you ever heard of any other "greats" aside from these three? Or is it because ESPN not talk about anyone else? Kobe's not even Top 5.

OMG, NO1 MENTIONED DR.J or The human highlight film, they were awesome

Julius Erving was a heck of a player, and one of the most athletic forwards of all time, but I don't think he makes most peoples' Top 10 lists. He just wasn't dominant enough.

[TheBigUnit]

Of course I mean in the East, East is obviously more hotter than the West right now. You cant deny, a healthy Bulls squad is death for the Heat.
no way the bulls are a pretty good team but a lot of players are aging and DRose might get injured again

Next years prob gonna be: Rockets(especially if they sight dwight howard)/thunder vs heat/pacers

Whatever you say. All I'm saying is the heat is the team to beat right now and, as long as they have LeBron James and co, they'll remain the team to beat. Besides, Indiana and Chicago are both in the Eastern Conference so I hope you're not referring to them as the finals matchup...

Heat might go down the toilet if bosh and wade do t pick it it, remember they played a key role in the regular season

[Southside]

Hahaha, oh geez, Robert Parish isn't even Top 30. Maybe Top 50. Pippen's too high (not top 10), Kareem too low (would probably put him above Kobe), but that list isn't too bad. Except for Robert Parish. That's so laughably bad of a pick, I can't even. I think you may have forgotten Larry Bird.



Didn't Vince Carter win one with Dallas in 2011? Also, all those players are Hall Of Famers (except for Carter), but none of them (except maybe Barkley) are Top 10 material in my opinion.



Agree with everything except the underlined part. LeBron has been, is, and will be the most dominant player in the NBA since Shaq. He's so athletically gifted and has such a high basketball IQ, he's worthy of being in a top 10 list.



This is the best response for LeBron "haters." First it was "he can't win one." And then it was "he can't win two." What more does he need to prove? He's 28 and already been compared with Michael since he was 17. By the time he's done, then we can (hopefully) look at his career objectively and then decide. As of right now, the dude's a beast.



I'm a Celtics fan, but lolol. He's not even the Greatest in the Atlantic Conference.



I agree with this for most players and arguments, especially a Top 10 list where positions and eras really make a difference. However, I think it's safe to say that in this case, the best overall point guard in today's game is Chris Paul. He's not as athletic, as say, Russell Westbrook, but I would definitely say that Chris Paul is the clear leader among point guards today.



Lol, have you ever heard of any other "greats" aside from these three? Or is it because ESPN not talk about anyone else? Kobe's not even Top 5.



Julius Erving was a heck of a player, and one of the most athletic forwards of all time, but I don't think he makes most peoples' Top 10 lists. He just wasn't dominant enough.

I'll redo the top 10, maybe it was a bit bias

1. Michael Jordan(As we say in Chicago, Ball God)
2. Bill Russell(11 Championships? Come on...)
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Magic Johnson
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
6. Hakeem Olajuwon(No doubt one of the best big men of all time)
7. Shaq
8.Tim Duncan
9. Larry Bird
10. Scottie Pippen

Happy?

Robert Parish isnt in top 30? That's a insult coming from a Celtics fan, I'd put him somewhere in the top 20. Top 50 doesnt even fit a man of his skill level, also he has 4 rings. Maybe not top 10 player, but no doubt top 10 big men.....

Maybe MoonMan is right, we shouldnt judge Lebron until his career is over. Until then, hes maybe top 30...

[MoonMan]

I'll redo the top 10, maybe it was a bit bias

1. Michael Jordan(As we say in Chicago, Ball God)
2. Bill Russell(11 Championships? Come on...)
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Magic Johnson
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
6. Hakeem Olajuwon(No doubt one of the best big men of all time)
7. Shaq
8.Tim Duncan
9. Larry Bird
10. Scottie Pippen

Happy?

Robert Parish isnt in top 30? That's a insult coming from a Celtics fan, I'd put him somewhere in the top 20. Top 50 doesnt even fit a man of his skill level, also he has 4 rings. Maybe not top 10 player, but no doubt top 10 big men.....

Maybe MoonMan is right, we shouldnt judge Lebron until his career is over. Until then, hes maybe top 30...
You just said we shouldn't judge him until his career is over, but then you place him in the top 30 (ridiculous placing by the way) in the same sentence? Am I missing something here? If you're comparing him to other great players who are retired or are older the only way to be fair and have actual stats for all of the players to back you up would be to compare them when they all were LeBron's age. In that case LeBron is easily in the top 10 with more mvps and finals mvps than both Jordan and Kobe at his age, 2 rings, and not to mention 2 olympic gold medals among numerous other achievements all at the age of 28. If you're comparing him to retired players or players who have already had a longer career than him, your list is based purely on assumption and holds no merit whatsoever. Like I said, we don't know how he'll stack up to the greats when he's retired because we don't what he'll accomplish in the future. Comparing his achievements to their's right now would be completely unfair.

[Camazotz]

I'll redo the top 10, maybe it was a bit bias

1. Michael Jordan(As we say in Chicago, Ball God)
2. Bill Russell(11 Championships? Come on...)
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Magic Johnson
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
6. Hakeem Olajuwon(No doubt one of the best big men of all time)
7. Shaq
8.Tim Duncan
9. Larry Bird
10. Scottie Pippen

Solid list, I have 9/10 of those guys in my Top 10, but those 9 in a different order.

Robert Parish isnt in top 30? That's a insult coming from a Celtics fan, I'd put him somewhere in the top 20.

No way dude. He made the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team, but if you consider all the greats that came after that, I think some of the bottom of that list (Parish is one of them) would get knocked off for the new guys. I can easily name 20 guys better than him. McHale might be Top 20. I wouldn't put Parish Top 30. Probably not even Top 50.

Maybe not top 10 player, but no doubt top 10 big men.....

In no particular order... Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, Moses Malone, George Mikan, Bill Walton, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson. There's 10 Centers better than Parish, not even "Big Men" (Centers and power forwards).

So no, he is most certainly not Top 10 "Big Man", I'm not including power forwards like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Kevin McHale, etc.

Maybe MoonMan is right, we shouldnt judge Lebron until his career is over. Until then, hes maybe top 30...

Even at age 28, his career is more noteworthy than a lot of legendary players. Robert Parish does not even compare to LeBron James. Right now, I'd say LeBron is definitely Top 20, and he's even higher than that on my list. But I think objectively, it's hard to say he's not Top 20.

You just said we shouldn't judge him until his career is over, but then you place him in the top 30 (ridiculous placing by the way) in the same sentence? Am I missing something here? If you're comparing him to other great players who are retired or are older the only way to be fair and have actual stats for all of the players to back you up would be to compare them when they all were LeBron's age. In that case LeBron is easily in the top 10 with more mvps and finals mvps than both Jordan and Kobe at his age, 2 rings, and not to mention 2 olympic gold medals among numerous other achievements all at the age of 28. If you're comparing him to retired players or players who have already had a longer career than him, your list is based purely on assumption and holds no merit whatsoever. Like I said, we don't know how he'll stack up to the greats when he's retired because we don't what he'll accomplish in the future. Comparing his achievements to their's right now would be completely unfair.

I have to agree with Josh, although I will still list current players based on what they've acheieved and where I expect them to go.

[Southside]

Solid list, I have 9/10 of those guys in my Top 10, but those 9 in a different order.



No way dude. He made the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team, but if you consider all the greats that came after that, I think some of the bottom of that list (Parish is one of them) would get knocked off for the new guys. I can easily name 20 guys better than him. McHale might be Top 20. I wouldn't put Parish Top 30. Probably not even Top 50.



In no particular order... Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaquille O'Neal, Moses Malone, George Mikan
, Bill Walton, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson. There's 10 Centers better than Parish, not even "Big Men" (Centers and power forwards).

So no, he is most certainly not Top 10 "Big Man", I'm not including power forwards like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Kevin McHale, etc.



Even at age 28, his career is more noteworthy than a lot of legendary players. Robert Parish does not even compare to LeBron James. Right now, I'd say LeBron is definitely Top 20, and he's even higher than that on my list. But I think objectively, it's hard to say he's not Top 20.



I have to agree with Josh, although I will still list current players based on what they've acheieved and where I expect them to go.

May I see your top 10 players list?

[Camazotz]

May I see your top 10 players list?

1. Bill Russell
2. Michael Jordan
3. Magic Johnson
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
5. Larry Bird
6. Kobe Bryant
7. LeBron James *
8. Hakeem Olajuwon
9. Tim Duncan
10. Shaquille O'Neal

Honorable mentions:

Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Isiah Thomas, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Moses Malone, Jerry West (I realize I'm missing a bunch of guys, but I haven't really thought out my list outside the Top 10)

* LeBron James is the only player mentioned to have the ability to move up in the rankings since he still has a future. If he stays healthy and plays his next six seasons the same way he's spent his last few, he can take the #1 spot (much to my dismay).

[Southside]

1. Bill Russell
2. Michael Jordan
3. Magic Johnson
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
5. Larry Bird
6. Kobe Bryant
7. LeBron James *
8. Hakeem Olajuwon
9. Tim Duncan
10. Shaquille O'Neal

Honorable mentions:

Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Isiah Thomas, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Moses Malone, Jerry West (I realize I'm missing a bunch of guys, but I haven't really thought out my list outside the Top 10)

* LeBron James is the only player mentioned to have the ability to move up in the rankings since he still has a future. If he stays healthy and plays his next six seasons the same way he's spent his last few, he can take the #1 spot (much to my dismay).

Lebron over Hakeem and Shaq? Lololol, I'd be willing to leave Shaq out but Hakeem? Come on..

Why no Scottie? The defense that dude had during the Bulls dynasty is only matched by a few other performances. Steals alone, Scottie could rule the game on the defense end. He was also pretty decent on the offense end too. People always look at just MJ as the superstar on the Bulls back then, without Scottie, MJ would only have 3 or 4 rings.

[Camazotz]

People always look at just MJ as the superstar on the Bulls back then, without Scottie, MJ would only have 3 or 4 rings.

Without Scottie, MJ had no rings. So I agree, he was EXTREMELY important in the Bulls' championship runs, and is severely underrated and overshadowed by MJ. Which is probably why Scottie has said several times that LeBron is/could be better than MJ- built up resentment.

Why no Scottie? The defense that dude had during the Bulls dynasty is only matched by a few other performances. Steals alone, Scottie could rule the game on the defense end. He was also pretty decent on the offense end too.

LeBron has the defense that Scottie had with a more versatile offense, a higher basketball IQ, and more athletic ability. If I were to compare LeBron's game, it would probably be between Scottie Pippen, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan, with the defensive comparison with Scottie.

Lebron over Hakeem and Shaq?

Hakeem played for 18 seasons compared to LeBron's 10. Hakeem only has 5,000 more points (which LeBron can make up in two or three seasons), will probably double Hakeem's number in assists within the next three or four seasons, and will probably win more championships.

Since they have different styles of play, it's hard to gauge on stats other than scoring, but LeBron is definitely more of a basketball phenom than Hakeem was, although I can't deny the defensive presence that The Dream brought to the court. Ultimately, I think LeBron will be remembered as one of the league's superstars with Michael Jordan, while Hakeem won't receive nearly the same recognition.

As for Shaq: The dude was a monster in his prime, and probably the most dominant figure in the sport's history. He was limited by his weight and quickly declining athleticism after his time with the Lakers. If he stuck with training toward the end of his career, he could've potentially been the greatest Big Man in league history. But he stayed for too long.

[Southside]

Without Scottie, MJ had no rings. So I agree, he was EXTREMELY important in the Bulls' championship runs, and is severely underrated and overshadowed by MJ. Which is probably why Scottie has said several times that LeBron is/could be better than MJ- built up resentment.



LeBron has the defense that Scottie had with a more versatile offense, a higher basketball IQ, and more athletic ability. If I were to compare LeBron's game, it would probably be between Scottie Pippen, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan, with the defensive comparison with Scottie.



Hakeem played for 18 seasons compared to LeBron's 10. Hakeem only has 5,000 more points (which LeBron can make up in two or three seasons), will probably double Hakeem's number in assists within the next three or four seasons, and will probably win more championships.

Since they have different styles of play, it's hard to gauge on stats other than scoring, but LeBron is definitely more of a basketball phenom than Hakeem was, although I can't deny the defensive presence that The Dream brought to the court. Ultimately, I think LeBron will be remembered as one of the league's superstars with Michael Jordan, while Hakeem won't receive nearly the same recognition.

As for Shaq: The dude was a monster in his prime, and probably the most dominant figure in the sport's history. He was limited by his weight and quickly declining athleticism after his time with the Lakers. If he stuck with training toward the end of his career, he could've potentially been the greatest Big Man in league history. But he stayed for too long.

Being remember? Oh now it's a popularity contest?

In the post Hakeem was fucking bomb, no doubt on that. Also, for a guy who played soccer up until he was in his mid teens is amazing.

Prime Kobe was 10x better than current Lebron..

Maybe even Prime Allen Iverson!

[Camazotz]

Being remember? Oh now it's a popularity contest?

Why do you think MJ is considered "the Greatest?" He wasn't the fastest, he wasn't the tallest, he wasn't the strongest, he wasn't the best shooter, he wasn't the best defender, etc. He was marketable and a GREAT all-around player. But ultimately, players' greatness is remembered, documented, and marketed.

In the post Hakeem was fucking bomb, no doubt on that. Also, for a guy who played soccer up until he was in his mid teens is amazing.

Agreed. Still not the athlete that LeBron is.

Prime Kobe was 10x better than current Lebron..

I disagree, I'd say current LeBron is 5% better than prime Kobe.

Maybe even Prime Allen Iverson!

Yeah, AI was great for those five years. He's the gangster-version of T-Mac; washed up, lost potential, and wasted talent.

[Southside]

Why do you think MJ is considered "the Greatest?" He wasn't the fastest, he wasn't the tallest, he wasn't the strongest, he wasn't the best shooter, he wasn't the best defender, etc. He was marketable and a GREAT all-around player. But ultimately, players' greatness is remembered, documented, and marketed.



Agreed. Still not the athlete that LeBron is.



I disagree, I'd say current LeBron is 5% better than prime Kobe.



Yeah, AI was great for those five years. He's the gangster-version of T-Mac; washed up, lost potential, and wasted talent.

I think MJ is the greatest because..

1. Im from Chicago, so it'd be a sin to say otherwise

2. He excelled in a NBA that was 1000x more physical than what we have today. Playing against people like Karl Malone,David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley...

How is Lebron better than Prime Kobe? Kobe had 3 rings at Lebron's current age..

Prime A.I. was a better scorer than current Lebron, cant deny that.
A.I. was 4x scoring leader to Lebron's 1 scoring title..

That's what I loved about A.I., had a gangster no bullshit attitude..summed in one word, Ill...
He was also a decent rapper, listen to his song 40 bars.

[Camazotz]

I think MJ is the greatest because..

1. Im from Chicago, so it'd be a sin to say otherwise.

So bias.

2. He excelled in a NBA that was 1000x more physical than what we have today. Playing against people like Karl Malone,David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley...

Guys he never had to cover (although LeBron would cover Malone and Barkley if they played today).

How is Lebron better than Prime Kobe? Kobe had 3 rings at Lebron's current age..

Kobe had this guy on his team that averaged 29 points, 14 rebounds, 2.5 blockers per game in the Playoffs. LeBron has NEVER had anyone even close to those kinds of numbers on any of his teams. There's a reason Kobe never won Finals MVP with Shaq. Kobe was good, but he wasn't as good as he was after Shaq left. After his championships did he become a superstar, but the argument is invalid since Kobe whined his way onto the Lakers, whereas LeBron was stuck with the worst team in the NBA (remember, the Cavs had the best record in 2009-2010, and then as soon as he left, the Cavs became the worst team in the NBA the following season even though the only player they lost was LeBron). Kobe didn't really enter his prime until after those championships, so that point is invalid.

Prime A.I. was a better scorer than current Lebron, cant deny that. A.I. was 4x scoring leader to Lebron's 1 scoring title..

AI was a selfish ballhog that could never win or succeed in life. He's a bum now and is bankrupt. There's a reason why nobody wanted him; he brought horrible chemistry to the team, and only cared about himself. As a point guard, he has a lower assist average than LeBron. LeBron does other stuff on the court to make his team win (just like my favorite player, Bill Russell). Scoring isn't all that matters, and even though AI scored a bunch, I would disagree that he's a better scorer. He was limited by his size, whereas LeBron can shoot from about anywhere and has a whole arsenal of moves in the paint, in the mid-range, and outside the three point line. I think after Durant and Carmelo, LeBron is the best scorer in the league because of his size and ability to dominate his opponent through his skill set. If he focused solely on scoring, he'd be averaging above 35 per game, more than AI ever did.

That's what I loved about A.I., had a gangster no bullshit attitude..summed in one word, Ill... He was also a decent rapper, listen to his song 40 bars.

Yeah, that's why he never succeeded. He let his ego get in the way of training to become the best he could. He's lost talent. LeBron spent the last three summers working his ass off to improve his post play (which he did) and bring the US another gold medal (which he has two of). There's a reason he won 4 MVP's in the last 5 years. The man practices, which is more than I can say for AI. That work ethic is what separates the all-time greats from the decennial greats. I can guarantee that when LeBron reaches AI's current age, LeBron will still have his money and continue to be successful off the court doing whatever he decides to do.

[TheBigUnit]

I think MJ is the greatest because..

1. Im from Chicago, so it'd be a sin to say otherwise

2. He excelled in a NBA that was 1000x more physical than what we have today. Playing against people like Karl Malone,David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley...

How is Lebron better than Prime Kobe? Kobe had 3 rings at Lebron's current age..

Prime A.I. was a better scorer than current Lebron, cant deny that.
A.I. was 4x scoring leader to Lebron's 1 scoring title..

That's what I loved about A.I., had a gangster no bullshit attitude..summed in one word, Ill...
He was also a decent rapper, listen to his song 40 bars.

AI??? Really?? He kept the ball to himself and was the reason why the sixers lost in 2001, AI's no bullshit attitude got him kicked out of philly

So


AI was a selfish ballhog that could never win or succeed in life. He's a bum now and is bankrupt. There's a reason why nobody wanted him; he brought horrible chemistry to the team, and only cared about himself. As a point guard, he has a lower assist average than LeBron. LeBron does other stuff on the court to make his team win (just like my favorite player, Bill Russell). Scoring isn't all that matters, and even though AI scored a bunch, I would disagree that he's a better scorer. He was limited by his size, whereas LeBron can shoot from about anywhere and has a whole arsenal of moves in the paint, in the mid-range, and outside the three point line. I think after Durant and Carmelo, LeBron is the best scorer in the league because of his size and ability to dominate his opponent through his skill set. If he focused solely on scoring, he'd be averaging above 35 per game, more than AI ever did.



Yeah, that's why he never succeeded. He let his ego get in the way of training to become the best he could. He's lost talent. LeBron spent the last three summers working his ass off to improve his post play (which he did) and bring the US another gold medal (which he has two of). There's a reason he won 4 MVP's in the last 5 years. The man practices, which is more than I can say for AI. That work ethic is what separates the all-time greats from the decennial greats. I can guarantee that when LeBron reaches AI's current age, LeBron will still have his money and continue to be successful off the court doing whatever he decides to do.

This^^^

[Southside]

AI??? Really?? He kept the ball to himself and was the reason why the sixers lost in 2001, AI's no bullshit attitude got him kicked out of philly



This^^^

They lost in 01' because they had no one else(Maybe Mutombo) but other than that it was a one man show. A.I. was putting up 30 or more almost every game, one of the best scorers in the early 2000's no doubt.

[Camazotz]

They lost in 01' because they had no one else(Maybe Mutombo) but other than that it was a one man show. A.I. was putting up 30 or more almost every game, one of the best scorers in the early 2000's no doubt.

They were just severely outmatched in the Finals and barely won the weak Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, they only had three guys averaging over 10 points per game, and AI had about 33. The next highest was 14.6 PPG. They simply did not belong in the NBA Finals. He's still a loser. LeBron did that in Cleveland, and decided to work even harder and put himself in a better position to win. He did just that, and he's a reigning two-time Champ with the possibility of a three-peat.

[cant_stop18]

Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, Kobe, Shaq etc...

Just a few names from the top of my head who are ahead of Lebron right now with Jordan being no doubt the best.