As a consequence of Lebron James recently passing Karl Malone on the NBA all-time scoring list, the GOAT question has once again resurfaced.
Does this really improve Lebron’s case?
GOAT. Scoring 36,930 points is no easy feat. Truly, a marvelous achievement for a player not known for his scoring prowess alone. But even if he passes Kareem Abdul Jabbar on the all-time scoring list (which he most probably will next season assuming he is healthy) that will not be enough to surpass Michael Jordan.
To me, what that does is shore up his claim as the 2nd greatest player and widens the gap between him and whoever is the 3rd and the 4th best.
But that does nothing to improve his standing against Michael Jordan. The truth is, an entire Hall of Fame career separates Lebron from MJ: 2 NBA titles, 2 Finals MVPs, 1 regular season MVP, 3 all-defensive teams, 1 defensive player of the year award and 9 scoring titles.
So even if Lebron becomes the top scorer of all time, he still won’t be the GOAT to this Last Rounder.
It’s a longevity achievement and that of itself is one of the traits that makes Lebron so great. He has been so consistently good for so long and that is what makes him sui generis in this aspect.
Bron fans shouldn’t have to be so triggered. There’s no shame in being the 2nd greatest player of all time, next to Michael Jeffrey Jordan.
LAKERS. Speaking of Bron, this season he has really focused so much on scoring that he doesn’t really orchestrate the offense anymore, let alone play team defense.
On several occasions he has been caught lagging behind his man on defense and that’s because he clearly is trying to conserve his energy and stamina for offensive purposes.
I think it’s a bit selfish really as his team is now 31-41 and languishing at 9th place. Potentially they could even be in danger of missing the play-in because the New Orleans Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs can still catch up with them because they have one of the toughest remaining schedules as the regular reason winds down in the next few weeks. I also think it’s in bad taste for Bron to be saying that right now he is having the time of his life.
VERBATIM. “Older guys yelling at the rookies because it’s their fault.
Everything they do it’s our fault out there because they know everything and you don’t.” - Malik Monk on Lakers team dynamics.
LAST ROUND. It’s on the best writer in our family—my sister Jeehan, who recently celebrated her birthday. Cheers!