Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James is one of the world’s premier athletes who has done everything from winning four NBA championships to three Olympic gold medals.
Some consider him the greatest to play on the court due to his athleticism and longevity. A fellow NBA champion happens to agree.
Former Boston Celtics forward Cedric Maxwell, who won championships in 1980-81 and 1983-84, said there will never be another player like James. The former player also won the 1980-81 NBA Finals MVP before spending two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers from 1985-87 and one and a half seasons with the Houston Rockets from 1987-88.
“No,” Maxwell, 69, said during Friday’s episode of “Nightcap” with hosts Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson when asked if there will be another player like James. “The genetics, circumstances and the will to win. That’s what makes him to me the GOAT (greatest of all time).”
James broke the all-time scoring record in 2023, which Maxwell highlighted in his argument. Some fans also view James’s 4-6 NBA Finals record as negative compared to Michael Jordan’s 6-0 finals record, but Maxwell brought up a different set of facts.
“Don’t get this wrong, but Michael Jordan lost his first couple of years and got swept,” Maxwell added. “Swept, didn’t win a game.”
The GOAT conversation has always been tough for fans who are conflicted about choosing Jordan or James.
“So I think the GOAT conversation to me is very different, but I’m a huge fan of who Lebron (James) is and what he’s done on and off the court,” he concluded. “At his age right now, to be relevant in the NBA. Just to be relevant is just crazy.”
