Teammates of Lebron James and Michael Jordan Chose their GOAT

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The NBA GOAT Debate: LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan Through the Eyes of Their Teammates

The debate about who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in basketball—Michael Jordan or LeBron James—has long been a point of contention among fans and analysts alike. While both players are legends in their own right, only four NBA players have had the unique experience of playing alongside both MJ and LeBron during their careers. These players, despite seeing both athletes in action, still tend to favor Jordan as the GOAT, even when considering LeBron’s prime years. Here’s a breakdown of their perspectives.

1. Larry Hughes: LeBron Comes Close, but MJ Still Tops the List

Larry Hughes played with both Michael Jordan on the Washington Wizards and LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers. His insight offers a fascinating glimpse into both players’ mentalities. Hughes has stated that, while LeBron is incredible, he still places Michael Jordan above him in the GOAT debate.

Hughes describes Jordan’s work ethic and the “mystique” surrounding his presence in the locker room, especially as an older player. Even in his final years with the Wizards, Jordan, who was 40 at the time, still averaged 20 points per game despite dealing with knee issues. Hughes admired Jordan’s ability to compete relentlessly, even at an advanced age. As Hughes puts it, the level of competitiveness that Jordan brought to the table was unmatched.

2. Jerry Stackhouse: Michael Jordan’s Killer Instinct

Jerry Stackhouse, who had the opportunity to play with both Michael Jordan and LeBron James, also picked Jordan as the GOAT. Stackhouse witnessed Jordan’s “killer mentality” firsthand, especially during their encounters when Stackhouse played for the Philadelphia 76ers. One memorable moment was when Jordan dropped 48 points in three quarters during a game, proving just how fierce his drive was to win at all costs.

Stackhouse praises LeBron’s greatness but distinguishes him from Jordan by emphasizing the latter’s unmatched desire to defeat opponents at all costs. According to Stackhouse, Jordan didn’t just want to win; he wanted to humiliate his opponents, mentally breaking them down to the point where they would never think they could beat him again. In contrast, while LeBron is competitive, Stackhouse feels that he doesn’t carry the same “killer” instinct that Jordan exhibited.

3. Scott Williams: Michael Jordan’s Unrelenting Desire to Destroy

Scott Williams, who won three titles with Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls, also played with LeBron James for a season on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Williams concurs with Stackhouse, stating that Michael Jordan had a “killer instinct” that LeBron James doesn’t fully possess. Williams points out that LeBron is more diplomatic and tends to engage teammates to elevate their game, while Jordan demanded nothing less than total commitment and perfection from his teammates.

Williams recalls the difference in leadership styles between the two. Jordan, according to him, wanted to dominate and make every opponent feel defeated, even off the court. LeBron, while equally focused on winning, didn’t carry the same mindset of destroying his adversaries psychologically.

4. Brendan Haywood: MJ as the Ultimate GOAT

Brendan Haywood, who played with both LeBron and Michael Jordan, didn’t hesitate when asked about who the GOAT is. For Haywood, there is no debate: Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time. Haywood, a product of the University of North Carolina, was quick to point out Jordan’s incredible accolades, such as winning MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP, and leading the league in scoring all in the same year—a feat accomplished only four times in NBA history.

Haywood also notes the differences in leadership between the two players. While Jordan expected nothing less than total commitment from his teammates, LeBron is known for trying to coach up players like Kyrie Irving, helping them grow and improve their game. But for Haywood, Jordan’s relentless approach and the sheer dominance he displayed on the court put him on a different level.

The Consensus: Michael Jordan Stands Above

Though each of these four players acknowledges LeBron James as an extraordinary talent, none of them are willing to place him above Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate. Even when discussing the older, more hobbled version of Michael Jordan, who played for the Washington Wizards, these former teammates maintain that Jordan’s competitive edge, leadership, and unparalleled mentality still make him the greatest basketball player in history.

Despite the media’s ongoing debate about who should be the GOAT, these players who have had the rare opportunity to witness both Jordan and LeBron in action—across different stages of their careers—seem to agree that Jordan’s legacy remains unmatched.

Conclusion

The GOAT debate will likely continue for years to come, but for those who played with both LeBron James and Michael Jordan, the choice is clear. Michael Jordan’s unrelenting drive, killer instinct, and leadership style set him apart, even when compared to one of the most physically gifted players in NBA history, LeBron James. While LeBron’s greatness is undeniable, there is still a prevailing belief that Jordan’s mental and competitive edge will forever earn him the title of the NBA’s greatest of all time.

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