For as long as basketball has been a global phenomenon, fans have debated who the greatest player of all time is. From high school gyms to barbershops, everyone has their opinion. But when the name Michael Jordan enters the conversation, the room goes silent.

After all, Jordan isn’t just a player; he’s the golden standard. His dominance during the 1990s, with his six NBA championships and swagger, formed the basis for many players after him.

Worthy competition

MJ’s career wasn’t just about his stats or accolades, though those are staggering. It was about how he elevated the game, bringing intensity, skill, and a killer instinct that set him apart. The NBA was his playground. He led the league in scoring ten times, won five MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and took home six Finals MVPs. But more than that, Mike represented an era when greatness seemed untouchable.

Then came the post-Jordan years. The NBA, though filled with talent, felt like it was searching for a new king. Kobe Bryant came close, modeling his game after No. 23, but even he acknowledged MJ as the blueprint.

And then, in 2003, LeBron James entered the league. After decades of watching him, many argue that he is the most complete player in basketball history.

Now entering his 22nd season in 2024-25, LeBron has defied every expectation. Only Vince Carter managed to play for so long, but maintaining such a high level of performance is a different game. While Jordan ruled the 90s, LeBron has arguably defined the modern NBA.

Even former U.S. President Barack Obama, a noted basketball fan, weighed in on the subject.

“If you’re just looking at, let’s say, a ten-year slice, I would say that MJ’s peak was higher than LeBron’s,” Obama said. “I have to give credit to LeBron’s longevity, and so they are both great in slightly different ways, and they are both champions.”

Opinionated debate

It’s worth noting that debates about the greatest players didn’t start with Jordan or LeBron. Older generations will argue that Bill Russell, with his 11 championships, or Wilt Chamberlain, with his mind-boggling stats, were the true GOATs.

Others will point to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s impressive run in the 1970s or Larry Bird’s dominance in the 1980s. Obama also agreed to factor in generational bias in some of the debate options today.

“You’re always going to be attached to the folks who were your guys, and each generation is going to have the folks who they like,” Barack said.

For those who grew up watching the Chicago Bulls icon, his consistency and dominance make him the default choice.

On June 14, 1998, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, the Bulls were trailing the Utah Jazz in the game’s closing moments. With 5.2 seconds left, “His Airness” stole the ball from Karl Malone, dribbled upcourt, and pulled up for a 20-footer in what would become one of the most iconic shots in sports history.

That shot clinched the Bulls’ sixth championship in eight years and was the culmination of a decade of dominance by the league MVP.

Moments like that made MJ the undisputed GOAT. Bryant came close to Jordan for younger fans, and LeBron’s ability to adapt and excel in any situation stands out. And with players like Steph Curry, the debate keeps on expanding and showing what truly defines greatness.