Former Player Removing LeBron James From GOAT Conversation After Joining 76ers Angers Fans – “Natural Born Haters”

Stephen Jackson says LeBron James picked the wrong team for his GOAT case.

Former Player Removing LeBron James From GOAT Conversation After Joining 76ers Angers Fans – “Natural Born Haters”

Stephen Jackson and LeBron James (Image credits - CNN and Heavy Sports)

LeBron James has had arguably the greatest career in NBA history in terms of numbers and accolades. He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the number one pick straight out of high school in 2003.

There has been no player in history who has entered the league with more hype and expectations than James. Not only has he surpassed those expectations, but he has also cemented himself as one of the, if not the, greatest players of all time.

However, unlike other players mentioned in the GOAT debate, James is still not done. Coming off a historic 23rd season in the league, the four-time champion will be playing for at least two more years and will continue to add to his legacy.

Former NBA player Stephen Jackson excluded James from the GOAT conversation after his recent move.

All the talk you hear about GOATs and pairing him with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. For me, Cleveland was the only thing that made sense for me to keep him in that conversation. Going to a team that’s already championship-ready, that’s not what I would look at as the best player in the league challenging himself.

Stephen Jackson on All The Smoke

James joined the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal in the summer. The move surprised many as he decided to join a new team at this stage of his career. In Philly, he will be playing alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. They are widely seen as the most dominant team in the league as presently constructed.

Stephen Jackson has faced off against Kobe Bryant and James multiple times during his playing days. He has been critical of James in the past.

Following James’ move to Philly, many have criticized James for moving and stacking his teams in the chase for rings. And Jackson is the latest addition to the list of critics.

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Fans react to Stephen Jackson omitting LeBron James from the GOAT debate

James has often been compared to Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate. Jordan and Bryant spent their entire careers playing for the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively. Meanwhile, the 76ers represent James’ fourth team in the NBA.

After revealing that he does not consider James in the GOAT debate after his move to Philly, fans took to social media to react to his comments.

Fans called out Jackson for his comments as James is in the back end of his career. It is unfair to expect him to carry a team to a championship at this stage of his career.

LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey are working out together

The expectations surrounding the franchise are higher than they have ever been. After a disappointing end to their 2025-26 campaign where they were clean-swept by the New York Knicks, the 76ers front office has left no stone unturned this summer.

LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey
LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey (Image credits – chrisjohnsonhoops/IG)

They got their summer underway by acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in a blockbuster trade and then they pulled off the biggest move in free agency by signing LeBron James. The 76ers are well on course of winning their first title since 1983.

The trio of James, Brown, and Maxey were seen working out together in the gym as they prepare for the new season.

They will need to spend a lot of time together as they try to build their team chemistry. With so many ball-dominant players, they will need to make some sacrifices to their games for the betterment of the team.

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