Michael Jordan setting the ‘standard’ sets him apart from LeBron James in GOAT debate says former player

Gilbert Arenas feels no matter what LeBron James does, the older generation will not consider him the NBA's GOAT before Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan setting the ‘standard’ sets him apart from LeBron James in GOAT debate says former player

LeBron James and Michael Jordan are locked in the GOAT race

As long as LeBron James continues to play basketball at the highest level, the GOAT debate will not stop. Even though he has done more than enough to stake his claim, many still argue that Michael Jordan is firmly at the top.

However, with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar winning the Paris Olympics MVP, the debate has heated up. Former player Gilbert Arenas thinks it is not enough in the eyes of many. Arenas was speaking with his panel on the podcast, Gil’s Arena, about the GOAT debate. He explained why he thinks older fans will never think of James as the GOAT.

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Back then, they didn't identify what a superstar looked like. Remember Michael Jordan is the reason everybody else's greatness is compared to. Clutchness is to Michael Jordan. When they see him, 'Oh this is the standard, Super Mega star and we want him'.
Gilbert Arenas said

Arenas was clear that because Michael Jordan was the first to do it, he is the standard. Therefore, anyone who comes after him will be compared to him.

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Gilbert Arenas further suggested that the GOAT debate is a matter of eras. As Jordan was the first megastar, older fans and members of the media still consider him the GOAT. Therefore, no matter what LeBron James does, they will not accept him. However, current fans prefer the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.

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Another NBA title could lift LeBron James above Michael Jordan

LeBron James is approaching age 40. Then, he is also about to play alongside his son, Bronny James. The second part will fulfill his long-standing dream, which, once done, could lead him to retirement. However, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the few teams in the NBA that have the same group of players as last season.

That instantly means they don’t have to work on their chemistry. Instead, a change in coaching could help elevate them if mistakes from the past are corrected. That means there is a chance that the Los Angeles Lakers could improve on their way to another NBA title.

If LeBron James manages to win title No.5, it could bring a new twist to the GOAT debate. After all, he will have won another title with essentially an underdog team. A situation that Michael Jordan was never a part of.

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