LeBron James Declares Himself G.O.A.T As He Closes In on NBA All Time Scoring Record

• LeBron James has declared himself the best player ever to play the game of basketball
• James will become the NBA's all-time scoring leader, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
• Michael Jordan is universally considered the best basketball player of all time but some consider James the G.O.A.T

One thing that will be on many people's minds when LeBron James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time scoring leader, is if he is now the undisputed G.O.A.T of basketball.

The Lakers star has scooped many records and accolades in his long and hugely successful career. While Michael Jordan has always been considered the best by acclamation, James has always been seen as the only player who can surpass the great Jordan.

He has described himself as the best player ever to play basketball.

Abdul-Jabbar set the scoring record in April 1984, passing the late Wilt Chamberlain. He has held that record for nearly 40 years. Several players have tried to break it but ran out of time.

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Meanwhile, at 38 years, James is showing no sign of slowing down. He is averaging 30 points per game and is set to play in a record-equaling 19th All-Star Game later this month.

The four-time NBA MVP and four-time NBA champion has always shied away from G.O.A.T conversations.

James calls himself G.O.A.T

According to the OC Register, James will let fans and analysts decide who the best-ever player is.

“I’m gonna let everybody else decide where (the scoring record) puts me. It’s not for me to say now, ‘OK I’m this or that.’

However, he added that he is the best player to play the game, which will certainly generate heated arguments online.

“What I bring to the table as a basketball player … I feel like I’m the best basketball player that ever played the game,” he said. “That’s just my confidence, that’s just what I bring to the table, what I possess. But as far as if the scoring record gets me to another level, I don’t know.”

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Jordan and James played in different eras. James was just getting started in the NBA when Jordan retired for the third and final time. Therefore, the debate has always been about accolades and other intangible skills.

For instance, the Chicago Bulls icon is 6-0 in the NBA Finals while James is 4-6, a record that Jordan proponents will use to disqualify James.

One thing stands out for James, though. He came into the league as an 18-year-old and looking back at his 20-year career, he has exceeded immense expectations placed on his shoulders, according to AndScape.

James on who will break his record

Sports Brief earlier reported on James naming a few players who could surpass his inevitable scoring record.

The Lakers star said Kevin Durant is the most likely player to outdo him because of his versatility on the court. Durant is currently 15 on the all-time scoring list and may climb up before he retires.

He also added that the likes of Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Irving have a chance if they stay healthy.