Overview
- In a Time profile published Monday, LeBron James said “I’m not taking nobody over me,” directly naming himself the greatest player in NBA history.
- James also praised Michael Jordan’s outsized cultural influence and said people from the Jordan era are likely to name Jordan as more influential.
- The comments drew split responses from the sports world, with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith accusing James of trying to control the narrative and Steve Nash calling James’ career the greatest when peak and longevity are combined.
- The remark arrives at a career crossroads: James, 41, just finished his 23rd season, is entering unrestricted free agency and has not announced whether he will retire or sign another contract.
- James’ long-career records—NBA all-time leading scorer, most games played and an unmatched number of All-Star and All-NBA selections—frame his longevity-based GOAT case and mean another season would further shape how history judges him.