LeBron James is not as clutch as Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan
The GOAT debate in the NBA has mostly featured Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Debates between both sections of fans have continuously dominated sporting discussions. There are some who bring Kobe Bryant into the picture too. Despite all that, fans have not been able to settle on anyone. Unless they start talking about specifics. Like how NFL star Maxx Crosby did recently.
The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end was a guest on The OGs Show. When talking about the GOAT debate, he explained his selection:
My GOAT list, I'm taking Kobe over LeBron. I think LeBron like I respect his greatness. He's top 3 no question. But if it really comes down to it, like in my opinion, you got Game seven on the line. I am taking MJ, I am taking Kobe, if I want to win a title. That’s just my opinion.Maxx Crosby on The OGs Show
Hosts Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller did not argue with it considering James is their guy. As the logic put forward was legitimate.
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are by far the better two among the three when it comes to late-game clutch performances. In fact, their late-game heroics are what has defined their GOAT cases. James on the contrary is more known for how the handles the entire game, that too over 21 seasons.
Maxx Crosby says he’s taking Kobe over LeBron
“It really comes down to it, like in my opinion, you got Game 7 on the line. I am taking MJ, I am taking Kobe, if I want to win a title. That’s just my opinion.”
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 25, 2024
Maxx Crosby was not throwing shade at the Los Angeles Lakers star. Rather, he respects his greatness. But if he had a do-or-die situation, he would pick either Jordan or Bryant. For him, that argument of game or playoff-winning clutch shots is what helps define his GOAT.
LeBron James’ legacy is different than Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan
The problem with GOAT debates is that when LeBron James is a completely different type of basketball player than the other two. It is not that he does not have clutch shots in him. It is just that they are not as obvious as it is with the others. James instead, has gone about continuously adjusting to the evolving nature of the game and produced elite performances.
That consistency is what defines the 4-time Champion‘s legacy. He also had to face a larger no. of tougher opponents over his time compared to the other two. On top of that, he had weaker teams during the first part of his Cleveland Cavaliers career. If those obstacles hadn’t been there, LeBron James would have been sitting with 7 or 8 NBA titles as of today. While still fit to gun for another one at age 40.
Even then, if one comes up with clutch scoring, elite defense, or even the ability to strike fear in the hearts of the opponents, he is not the first name that comes to mind. It shows that the GOAT debate is fluid, with each attribute becoming a point of debate.