SerpApi.Org
When people think of the NBA’s GOAT, Michael Jordan and LeBron James are usually the first names that come to mind, for various reasons. For Heat big man Bobby Portis, the routine is no different, although his answer isn’t any less controversial.
When asked about who is the greatest baller of all-time, Portis did not hesitate to name basketball legend LeBron James, who is still active after 23 years. He made the pick on The Dan LeBatard Show, throwing some shade at Michael Jordan in the process.
“NBA GOAT? LeBron James. I’m a LeBron fan,” said Portis. “We could argue all day, but it’s LeBron.”
While Portis is no star, he’s more qualified than most to speak on this subject. Besides career averages of 12.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, he’s also played alongside some of the best players in the modern NBA, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Jimmy Butler. He’s also a proven winner after helping the Bucks win the 2021 NBA Finals.
When it comes to the GOAT debate, it’s impossible to reach a consensus, but overall career achievements can often be a good starting point. Looking at championships, Bill Russell is actually the leading superstar with 11, but MJ’s 6-0 Finals record remains unbeaten today. LeBron, meanwhile, is 4-6, with losses against the Warriors, Mavericks, and Spurs. If you count MVPs, Jordan also wins with five to LeBron’s four.
If you look beyond the accolades, Jordan edges LeBron in scoring with averages of 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, while James has a slight edge in rebounding with 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. That’s not to mention the defensive end, where Jordan has the clear advantage with nine Defensive First Teams vs. LeBron’s five.
If you look strictly at those numbers, Jordan is the obvious GOAT, but LeBron does have the edge in terms of longevity and consistency. His career has already extended well beyond Jordan’s, and he’s been effective in every single season. Even now, he’s still not done playing as he chooses where to sign for his 24th season.
For Portis, the GOAT conversation is especially relevant right now given their current pursuit of LeBron. Since he arrived, the team has been working to reunite with their former superstar, but he’s in no rush to decide as an unrestricted free agent. More than anything, we know LeBron wants to find a place where he can win, but hearing a potential teammate call him the greatest player ever may help make the decision that much easier. At the very least, it will make things less awkward if LeBron does decide to join.
Of course, the best GOAT case for James will be made if he wins another championship. While it won’t be enough to catch Jordan, winning it all this late into his career (after everything he’s already done) would do wonders for his legacy. That’s why his next team is so important —because, depending on how his story ends, he may yet pass Jordan before it’s all said and done.
