The NBA’s greatest of all time debate often centers around LeBron James and Michael Jordan. However, rapper Lil Wayne has made his position on the matter quite clear. In a recent appearance on the All The Smoke podcast, he stated that James is the undisputed GOAT, followed by Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
While initially thinking Jordan was the greatest because of his multiple championships, Tunechi had a change of heart. James winning titles with three different franchises cemented his spot at the top of the list. He discussed how he got older and realized how hard it is to win back-to-back-to-back championships, referring to Jordan’s two three-peats.
This is where Jordan earned Tunechi’s respect and began to be considered the greatest. But James took it a step further by winning with three different teams. He wasn’t just a role player like on some of Jordan’s championship teams. And for Tunechi, that’s what tipped him over the Jordan scale in favor of James.
Jordan, of course, won six NBA titles in his career, with two separate three-peats. James has four titles to his name, with two coming as a member of the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, followed by wins with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016 and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
What sets James apart, perhaps, is that he achieved this feat with three different franchises. This is a notoriously difficult accomplishment that few can claim. James, as Tunechi pointed out, was not just a role player on any of these teams, but a true leader.
Adding to this feat is the fact that James is still competing at a high level at the age of 38. This means he still has some time to potentially tie or even surpass Jordan’s record of six titles.
Ultimately, the GOAT debate will rage on, but for Lil Wayne, James is the clear winner. And many fans agree, with the King being widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
There are many reasons why James has earned this title. One of these is his incredible versatility on the court. He can play multiple positions and can do it all, from scoring to defense. This makes him an invaluable asset to any team he plays for.
Another reason is his longevity in the league. James has been a force to be reckoned with for nearly two decades. This kind of consistency and dedication is rare in any sport. It’s clear that James truly loves the game and doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon.
Of course, talent alone isn’t enough to make someone the GOAT. Leadership is perhaps even more important. James is known for his ability to inspire his teammates and lead by example. He has a calm, confident demeanor on the court that makes others want to follow him.
Something else that sets James apart is his philanthropic work off the court. He is committed to giving back to his community and using his platform for good. This kind of generosity and selflessness is something that fans admire and respect.
It’s also worth mentioning the impact that James has had on the sport of basketball as a whole. He has brought a level of excitement and athleticism to the game that was previously unmatched. His highlight-reel dunks and incredible passes are a joy to watch.
James has also been an advocate for social justice issues and has used his voice to bring attention to important causes. He has been vocal about police brutality and racial inequality in the US and has encouraged others to speak out as well.
All of these factors contribute to James’ status as one of the greatest athletes of all time. While the GOAT debate will surely continue for years to come, there’s no denying that James has cemented his place in basketball history.
For fans of the sport, it’s a thrill to watch James play and to witness his ongoing legacy. His influence on the game and his community will no doubt continue for many years to come.
As for Lil Wayne, he may be biased towards James, but his opinion carries weight. He knows the game of basketball and his endorsement of James only adds to the player’s growing legend. It’s clear that James has made an impact on fans and fellow players alike, and his legacy is set to continue for a long time.