The GOAT is a never-ending debate in the NBA community that has been brought to the forefront once again after the debut of ‘The Last Dance’ documentary of the Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
While comparing the two superstars, Stephen A. Smith had to admit himself that LeBron’s path to “greatness” may have been easier, he realizes that his opponents in the Finals have actually been much tougher than Michael’s was.
“LeBron James had a tougher road in the Finals. MJ win against Magic first but that was not with Kareem, Worthy, Byron Scott and those boys in their prime. It was with the Vlade Divac’s and Elden Campbell’s of the world. Okay — then MJ when up against Drexler and them. Love Drexler, but Drexler wasn’t on his level. Charles Barkley, Kevin Johnson, Dan Majerle third go-round, nothing to sneeze at, no question, but they couldn’t deal with the Pippen-Jordan combination. Shawn Kemp before he became Shawn “clump,” him with the glove Gary Payton. That’s what Seattle had, not much else. Okay, no disrespect to the Nate McMillan’s of the world and others but Seattle wasn’t on Chicago’s level and neither was Utah with Karl Malone and John Stockton pick-and-roll and all.
LeBron James having to go through Golden State, losing to Dallas, going through KD, Russell Westbrook, Harden and those boys, even though they were young, still tough. San Antonio twice, we can’t ignore that LeBron had a rougher road in the Finals. But to get to the Finals? I mean, please, LeBron was on a honeymoon.”
Facts are facts.
Three of LeBron’s Finals losses are to heavily stacked Golden State Warriors’ teams while another was a 22-year-old LeBron facing off against a well oiled machine in the Spurs in 2007.
