Kobe Bryant (G), LeBron James (C) et Michael Jordan (D)
Image credits: Imagn Images
LeBron James, now 40 years old, continues to dazzle fans with his performances on the court. However, some former NBA stars are still hesitant to give him the accolades he might deserve. Recently, the exuberant Stephon Marbury made his opinions clear in the ongoing debate regarding the greatest player of all time (GOAT), placing not only Michael Jordan above LeBron, but also Kobe Bryant.
During an appearance in Sports SeriouslyMarbury engaged in a discussion about Kobe’s legacy and how perception has evolved since his retirement in 2016. He said: “Let’s make no mistake, I think Michael Jordan is the greatest and best player basketball player to have ever touched a basketball.”
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The former point guard noted that he rarely compares other players to Jordan, but couldn’t help but highlight Kobe’s similar approach to the game. Marbury praised Jordan’s trademark abilities. Bryant, illustrating the challenge of putting up scores like 40, 50, even 60 points in a single game, not to mention the unforgettable 81-point performance. This naturally led Marbury to share his own rankings of basketball’s elites.
“I try to tell people…Jordan, Kobe, then LeBron,” Marbury slurred, gesturing down with his hand for each name he mentioned. “It could possibly happen a different way with LeBron.”
These days, the majority of fans and former athletes seem to have narrowed the GOAT debate down to Jordan and LeBron, with the latter inching closer to that distinction.
-Marbury was careful to clarify, however, that his feelings did not stem from disdain for LeBron, emphasizing the respect he developed for the man known as ‘The King’ over time, despite their rivalry.
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The former All-Star’s commitment to Bryant was firm. He expanded on why the Lakers icon ranks higher than LeBron in his eyes.
When asked to justify his rankings, the 13-year veteran attributed it to contrasting playing styles between Jordan and Bryant. Marbury mentioned that these two players were not only his favorites to watch, but also the toughest rivals he had ever faced.
In a nostalgic reflection on Bryant’s extraordinary talent, Marbury indicated that the Mamba was poised to eclipse Jordan in his prime. Notably, Bryant’s stunning 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors in January 2006 remains a feat Jordan has never matched during his illustrious career.
Although MJ scored 69 points in a playoff game, his best outing in a regular season peaked at 64 points. Marbury’s respect for Bryant’s legendary explosion in that incredible game is a testament to the admiration he has for these two gunners in the hall of fame.
Interestingly, Marbury admitted that his favorite player of all time is the great and versatile Magic Johnson. Yet he still ranks LeBron firmly behind Bryant and Jordan, despite LeBron’s modern adaptation of similar skills.
