Michael Jordan Beats LeBron James As NBA GOAT in Anonymous Player Poll

• Michael Jordan was chosen as the NBA GOAT over LeBron James in an anonymous player poll
• The debate on who is the better player between Jordan and James has raged for years
• Jordan retired more than 20 years ago, while James will retire soon but the debate will go on

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time, at least according to some NBA players who voted for him over LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in an anonymous poll.

The Athletic polled 103 NBA players, 58.3 percent of who voted for Jordan as the GOAT ahead of the two Los Angeles Lakers legends.

By acclamation, the Chicago Bulls icon and James remain the two greatest players in NBA history. Debates have raged about who is the best between the two since the King accomplished what he has.

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In February 2023, James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become NBA's all-time leading scorer. Many people claimed by passing Abdul-Jabbar, he became the undisputed GOAT. However, others disagreed.

The popular argument for Jordan is his 6-0 record in the NBA titles, while LeBron advocates usually point to his unprecedented longevity and consistency.

Players choose Jordan over James

In a poll conducted by the Athletic, more than half said Jordan was the GOAT. James was second with 33 percent of the vote, while Kobe Bryant came in at 6.8 percent.

Abdul-Jabbar did not receive a single vote, while Bill Russell and Tracy McGrady received some.

One player who voted for Jordan said the Bulls legend's impact was global.

"I think Michael took the game globally and allowed kids to dream and put the NBA game into people’s minds. It showed them that this was a unique game. So I think in that regard, and for all the amazing things that Michael has done, Michael is always going to be looked at that way, as the God of basketball. I think Michael, to me, is that guy just because of the way he put the game globally.”

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Another player who chose Jordan said James's longevity gives him an edge over Jordan.

“I’ve got LeBron. I get to play against him. His longevity, how long he’s been doing it and just his overall effect on the game (makes it him). He’s not even known as a scorer and he’s the all-time (leading) scorer.”

The debate will probably continue long after James has retired.

James declares himself GOAT

Sports Brief also reported on James declaring himself the best player even as he closed in on breaking Abdul-Jabbar's long-standing record.

He has been the best NBA player of the last decade, and some believe he, therefore, has a right to say he is the greatest to touch the ball.

James himself said calling himself the greatest was a result of his confidence, the skills he brings to the table, and the talent he possesses.