Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James has been one of the standout NBA superstars of all time and has sustained his legacy with his continuous performances in the league. Recently, NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas has showered his praise for the Lakers veteran while picking him as the Greatest of All Time in the never-ending GOAT debate among fans and analysts.
Several NBA legends have forged their legacies in the NBA but only a handful have reached the point that seems unbelievable. Of course, Michael Jordan has placed his name in the evergreen standout players list. Also, many fans and analysts believe that he is the Greatest of All Time in the league but LeBron James left no stone unturned to climb the ladder even higher. Detroit legend Isiah Thomas who has also been recognized as one of the greatest rivals of Jordan, has recently shared his thoughts on the GOAT debate.
Appearing in an interview with SQUADawkins, Thomas shared that his view on the greatest player has changed over the years. “When you say ‘the greatest of all time,’ I started with Michael (Jordan),” Thomas said.
“Then I retired and started saying, ‘OK, let me get something to back up my opinion,’” Thomas who retired from the league in 1994 added as his favor shifted from Jordan to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “I said, ‘Wait a minute, time out. Nobody ever did anything like what Kareem did. High school, college, all-time scoring leader, activist — all of that.’”
However, in regards to his final pick in the GOAT debate, Jordan and Abdul-Jabbar were surpassed by James who is still thriving in the league as one of the most thriving players. “Then LeBron (James) comes along and now he’s broken Kareem’s record,” Thomas said of James. “He’s at the top of almost every statistic, and what amazes me the most is that he surpassed Magic Johnson’s assists, who I consider the best point guard in history,” he added.
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Thomas further praised James’ ability to dominate multiple facets of the game, adding that the numbers back up his exceptional skill. He also reflected on the 40-year-old’s leadership qualities which have a powerful impact on his teams. According to Thomas, there is no question in his mind that James is the greatest player in history, “There has never been a player capable of dominating so many aspects of the game as he does. The numbers don’t lie, and neither do the feelings he conveys as the leader of his teams. So for me, there is no doubt that he is the best in history.”
James is currently averaging 23.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.9 assists with a 49.7 field goal percentage.
