Charles Barkley breaks down NBA GOAT debate after LeBron James makes history

23 February 2023 , 17:37

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Michael Jordan is generally considered by many to be the greatest NBA player ever (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

NBA legend Charles Barkley declared there are three players who can all be considered the greatest of all time - and he believes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan and LeBron Jordan can all lay claim to being the greatest in their respective generation.

For years, Jordan has been considered the greatest player in basketball history thanks to his dominant run in the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s, including winning all six of his titles in the latter decade. His combination of athleticism, scoring and and coming up big in clutch moments ensured his place in the pantheon of sporting greats.

However, the GOAT - Greatest Of All Time - debate has been re-ignited after James surpassed Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. This feat, combined with James’ remarkable longevity at the top of the sport, poses a genuine threat to Jordan’s throne.

Abdul-Jabbar was obviously no slouch either. Along with previously owning the scoring record, the goggle-clad icon also won six NBA championships across time with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, while he owns the record for most MVP awards in a single career at six. He also shares the record for most All-Star Game appearances with James at 19.

The GOAT debate when it comes to the NBA is one of the fiercest across all of sports, and Hall of Fame Barkley’s opinion on the matter should be respected. He has chosen a different approach, suggesting history should be broken down into segments with each star presiding over the era they played in.

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“Kareem was the greatest in his generation, MJ was the greatest in his generation, and LeBron’s been the greatest in his generation,” Barkley said on a recent ‘NBA on TNT’ broadcast. “You can’t compare eras.

“It’s impossible.”

LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's scoring record earlier this month (Getty Images)

In recent years, this NBA GOAT debate has been largely between Jordan and James. After James scored 38 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier this month to secure the all-time scoring crown from Abdul-Jabbar, many consider it between the Chicago Bulls icon and the King.

Jordan still boasts two more rings and Finals MVP awards than James, as well as an extra MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and nine scoring titles. Jordan dominated on both ends of the court, showcased by the fact he holds the record for the most scoring titles in NBA history (10) and was on the NBA's All-Defensive team nine times during his illustrious career.

James’ time in the NBA isn’t over yet. The 38-year-old has publicly declared he won’t call time on his storied career until he plays alongside his son Bronny, which would be an incredible feat in itself. If he adds another championship or another significant accolade before hanging it up, James may pull more fans to his side of the debate.

Andrew Gamble