LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan GOAT Debate Suffers Due to ‘Hating’ 45+ Year Old Fans, Says Nick Young

LeBron James faces a lot of negativity from older fans who believe Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player.

LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan GOAT Debate Suffers Due to ‘Hating’ 45+ Year Old Fans, Says Nick Young

Michael Jordan and LeBron James (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James faces criticism from older fans who prefer Michael Jordan as the GOAT.
  • Nick Young attributes this negativity to a generational divide, with younger fans favoring LeBron.
  • The ongoing GOAT debate is expected to persist until younger fans dominate the conversation.

Ever since LeBron James claimed himself to be the GOAT of basketball, he linked himself to debates involving Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, who most older fans think is the greatest.

His Airness’ fans often cite the six championships, five regular-season MVPs, scoring titles, various All-NBA team selections, and the Defensive Player of the Year win as accolades that make him unlike any other.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s 23 years of elite basketball, along with his dominance in several statistical areas, have led many to believe he is the best to ever set foot in the league.

Other than the positive points, James has also been subjected to extreme criticism from both fans and the media, who tend to talk about his negatives. That irked former NBA champion Nick Young, who believes this is the doing of older people.

This younger generation… they love LeBron. Bron is their GOAT. We’ve still got these guys who’ve watched Jordan and won’t let it go… Old people hate being wrong.

Nick Young said on Gil’s Arena

The former Lakers star felt that all the criticisms being thrown in LeBron James’ direction were from people 45 or older. That is because there is clear proof that the younger fans consider the all-time leading scorer as their GOAT, which obviously irks the older fans.

Gilbert Arenas chimes in on the ‘hate’ LeBron James faces

When Nick Young gave his opinion on how older basketball fans have been the ones criticizing LeBron James, colleague Kenyon Martin Sr. suggested that it is alright for older fans to have their preference.

LeBron James gets hate from older fans
LeBron James gets hate from older fans (Image via Ballislife/X)

He gave an example of the great Carl Lewis and why most older fans still consider him the sprint GOAT, even though Usain Bolt has surpassed him in every way. The former forward felt it was all right for people to criticize others if they are not their favorites.

There was no negativity being pushed. The league was in a sensitive time, it was only positive. Those media people, if you uttered anything negative, you were fired… Everything was kept tight… Now, when we sit here and talk about other players, you tear down their careers. LeBron is the most hated, and he is two.

Gilbert Arenas said

The former three-time All-Star went on to say how now, when one goes down their respective GOAT lists, they only have good things to say about Michael Jordan and the others.

But even if they have LeBron James as their second-best ever, the same people would only list the negatives. That is why he believes that the Akron native receives more hate than any other player.

LeBron James still working on his golf swing

The GOAT debate will likely carry on at least until the young generation becomes the one voicing its opinion. Until that happens, LeBron James, who is fully aware of what is being said, does not seem to want to waste time arguing about his legacy.

Instead, as he mentioned at the All-Star game, he wants to live life to the fullest. Even though his family and friends come before anything, the four-time league MVP has started to dedicate time to a new hobby.

He has taken a liking to golf and tries to find time to play a few rounds. After the All-Star weekend, he was seen playing alongside former teammate Kevin Love, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, and a few friends.

Now that they have gone back to their respective locations, the “King” had time on his hands and decided to take advantage of the good weather in Los Angeles.

A clip surfaced of LeBron James working on his drive. However, it is evident that he still needs to work on it, as his stiffness on the shot is still evident.

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