Rich Paul Clears Air on LeBron James-Michael Jordan GOAT Debate

Rich Paul set the record straight about his recent LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan take.

Rich Paul Clears Air on LeBron James-Michael Jordan GOAT Debate

Rich Paul clarifies on his statements between Michael Jordan and LeBron James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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Michael Jordan and LeBron James are undoubtedly two of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. Both superstars have transcended the sport. The debate on who is the GOAT has gone on for several years, but both have cemented themselves into NBA history for all their achievements, accolades and impact all over the world.

By the number of accolades, both greats are almost impossible to differentiate. The two do not share any special bond as Michael Jordan usually stays away from the public eye, while LeBron James is still an active player and is currently playing in an unprecedented 23rd season in the league. A number no player has achieved in league history. But there have been a few old clips of a young James meeting his childhood idol.

Jordan is often described as the pinnacle of basketball greatness. During his time in the NBA, Jordan has won the NBA Championship six times and has never lost in the NBA Finals. He has won six Finals MVP awards, five league-MVPs, ten scoring titles, one Defensive Player of the Year award and was integral in popularizing basketball and the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s.

Drafted as the number one pick in the 2003 NBA draft, James stepped into the league at 18 years old surrounded with immense hype. The “King” has surpassed all expectations and has gone to win four NBA Championships, four Finals MVPs, four league-MVPs, one scoring title and is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. A record that many believe may never be broken. What separates James from the rest is his durability, and he has no signs of slowing down despite turning 41.

James’ longtime friend and agent Rich Paul made headlines when he said the current Lakers team cannot contend for the championship and he would choose Jordan over James to take the last shot in a game on his new podcast “Game Over” with Max Kellerman. Many felt that Paul is choosing Jordan ahead of James in the GOAT debate. But Paul clarified his statements.

No, that got misconstrued. The internet clips it. What happened was, they asked me a question about the three players. So, I said yeah, if I’m starting a team, I’m taking LeBron at No. 1. I’m still taking LeBron at No. 1, and I would take MJ to take the last shot, but that’s not saying that I’m choosing one over the other. We know who the best player ever is. His name is LeBron James.

It is not a surprise that Paul picked James as the GOAT, as the two have shared a relationship for several years. Hence, it is not a question of where Paul’s loyalty lies.

What did Rich Paul actually say about Michael Jordan and LeBron James?

It is a debate that has no concrete answer to date and never will. At the end of the day, it is a subjective opinion. Both players have achieved enough to sit at a table of their own. Some may include other legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.

Max Kellerman initiated the conversation on their Game Over podcast, saying he has Jordan as number one and James as number two. Paul gave a different approach and gave a more politically correct answer.

Whoever you take, give me the other guy. If I’m starting a team, I’m taking LeBron number one overall. There’s no ifs or buts on that. If I want someone to take, and I know LJ’s statistics on this are off the charts as well… If I want the single last shot, I’m taking Michael Jordan, no question about it.

Considering Paul’s history with James, many would have expected Paul to be more biased in his statements. Therefore, it is no surprise that his statements went viral on social media.

Rich Paul on running the LA Lakers

There have been speculations over the years that Rich Paul plays a role in calling the shots for the teams James plays for. James had spent the majority of his career in the Eastern Conference until he decided to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.

LeBron James with his agent and long-time friend, Rich Paul (Via Sports Illustrated)
LeBron James with his agent and long-time friend, Rich Paul (Via Sports Illustrated)

The Lakers had struggled to stay competitive after the retirement of Kobe Bryant till the arrival of James. When James first arrived at the Lakers, they missed the playoffs as James was surrounded by young talent.

It was reported that James and Paul pushed for the trade of Anthony Davis and traded away most of the young core involved in the trade. But the trade paid off as the Lakers lifted the championship in 2020. Paul addressed and shut down the speculations on the Game Over podcast.

We never ran the Lakers. That was never a thing. We had and continue to have a great partnership with the Lakers, but it’s not like you would think. And by the way, I don’t want that responsibility. Now, for someone in my position, I look at myself as a partner to all teams.

James has always been the best player in every team he has played for, so it is natural for teams to build their rosters around him and refer to him when trades have to be made.

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