‘When did LeBron pass Magic?’: Ex-ESPN employee angrily complains ‘not worth’ Michael Jordan’s challenge

A never-ending conversation in the NBA. Just about every fan, media member and player has their own list. And it’s always in a state of flux. Therefore, it is impossible to track everyone’s orders. However, more often than not, there is usually agreement. However, one NBA legend turned analyst is trying to derail those plans. According to conventional wisdom, Michael Jordan and LeBron James are pitted against each other, and the battle for the “GOAT” has become a two-man race.

However, not everyone thinks so. According to Jalen Rose, the conversation is never a two-man game. The Indiana Pacers legend isn’t even sure LeBron should be in the discussion, ahead of yesterday’s greats like Bill Russell and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

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“First and foremost, we can’t have the MJ vs. LeBron conversation because LeBron has to be on Mount Rushmore over everyone else, everyone. There are guys who have played basketball who have accomplished something, achieved levels of greatness that LeBron can’t list…a guy named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, you’ve heard of a guy named Bill Russell ? Have you heard of “Magic” Earvin Johnson?

That last name was a major point of contention at the end of the player’s infamous 81-point game. “When did LeBron surpass Magic? What did I miss? What did I miss? ” For most conversations, the 3 names Jalen mentioned were the next 3 names after the Michael James discussion.

But to each his own. So, does Rose’s argument make sense?

GOAT cases for LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell

The case of the late, great Mr. Russell is most straightforward to read. A trailblazer on and off the court, the first player/coach and 11-time NBA champion, Russell was the first “great” player to enter the league. However, his lack of offensive prowess and the much smaller size of the league hurt his performance.

In the case of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, the story is a little more complicated. Both represent the best of both worlds.Karim has had an unparalleled longevity and has not been seen again until now king he himself. And there’s Magic, whose flashes and 12-year peak are almost unfathomable in today’s league. From an honor standpoint, the argument was close.

LeBron, however, etched those names on a resume filled with longevity and pinnacles of personal glory. He rose to the top of the historical pyramid due to the combined impact of the two, which puts him one step behind the throne unless you’re Jalen Rose or “Dr.” J” Julius Erving.

Michael Jordan is Michael Jeffrey Jordan.