The ongoing debate over who is the true GOAT—LeBron James or Michael Jordan—has been the most discussed topic in sports for the past decade. While some fans stand firmly behind the Lakers superstar, others, like Stephen A. Smith, believe that LeBron will never dethrone the Bulls legend. In fact, the veteran sports analyst insists that the four-time MVP has never even come close to surpassing Jordan.

During an episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, popular R&B artist Durrell “Tank” Babbs joined the conversation to argue in favor of

LeBron. Smith immediately challenged him to name a single attribute, outside of longevity, where James outshines the six-time NBA champion.

Tank contended that longevity itself is a crucial factor and should hold weight in the GOAT conversation, given its unprecedented nature. However, Smith shot back with a strong statement:

“Even at his greatest, he wasn’t [close to] Michael Jordan at his [greatest]. For most of LeBron James’ career, there’s always been a debate about who’s better—whether it was Kobe, KD, or someone else. But with Michael Jordan, there was never a debate.”

Smith pointed out that the 1990s are universally regarded as Jordan’s era, whereas LeBron has never truly dominated a single decade. He noted that during LeBron’s peak, Stephen Curry captured four championships, suggesting that the 2010s might belong to Curry more than James.

Tank turned Smith’s own argument against him, claiming that LeBron being the best player in an era stacked with all-time greats like Curry, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant is proof that he’s the greatest ever. But Smith held firm, reiterating that Jordan remains the undisputed GOAT.

To Smith’s credit, he consistently brings fresh perspectives to what many consider a tired debate, keeping it engaging and thought-provoking every time.

Smith vs. Sharpe: The Jordan vs. LeBron Debate on Club Shay Shay

In 2023, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe clashed over the same topic on the Club Shay Shay podcast. When Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, cited LeBron’s longevity as a key reason he’s the GOAT, Smith countered by emphasizing that Jordan’s prime was long-lasting and even more dominant. Smith argued:

“Jordan is 6-0 in the NBA Finals and was the Finals MVP all six times. He never let a Finals series go to seven games. He was a 10-time scoring champion and a 9-time All-Defensive First Team member. Is LeBron as dominant on both ends of the court?”

Sharpe responded that Jordan never faced a dynasty like the Warriors, but Smith quickly reminded him that Jordan helped build a dynasty with the Bulls. Smith then delivered one of his most memorable lines:

“LeBron is universally respected and revered. MJ was feared. You know the difference.”

The debate continued until both agreed to disagree, recognizing that neither would back down from their stance. As is often the case with the Jordan vs. LeBron argument, the conversation usually ends in a stalemate. However, Stephen A. Smith’s ability to make the debate captivating and engaging is unmatched.