The NBAGOAT debate remains one of the most captivating topics in professional sports. And three players whose names frequently appear in these conversations are Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan.
The three wings were the faces of multiple basketball generations, inspiring millions with their storied careers. Only a couple of players in league history have somewhat comparable resumes to those of Bryant, James, and Jordan.
LeBron is the active player of the three icons and is remarkably heading into his 23rd year in the league with the L.A. Lakers. At 40 years old, James remains one of the best players in the world as he seeks to win a fifth NBA championship.
LeBron, however, has had his share of critics, with NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley being among his most notable ones. The legendary power forward recently gave an eye-opening take on how LeBron differs from both Michael and Kobe, which could be interpreted as a slight.
Charles Barkley revealed the difference between Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan
In an interview with Rowan University, Charles Barkley broke down how LeBron’s competitive nature contrasts with that of Michael and Kobe. In particular, Barkley noted how the two shooting guards brought a ruthless style of play that triggered fear from opponents.
“I love LeBron. I’ll tell you, LeBron is a really, really nice man and a great player. The difference between Michael, Kobe, and LeBron is: Those two guys will kill your a**. That doesn’t make one way right or wrong, Michael and Kobe, them dudes, they were dangerous. They’re going to win obsessively. They don’t care about you or your feelings. And LeBron, he’s a great, great player, but I think he’s a nice guy. I don’t think many people walk around in our generation, saying, ‘Man, those Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are nice guys.’ Those words were never spoken.”
LeBron’s approach has helped mold him into one of the clutchest players in NBA history
Barkley’s take is a somewhat familiar one from ex-players about LeBron never generating the same fear from his opponents as Kobe or Michael did. That being said, James’ competitive spirit and ability to hit clutch shots should never come into question.
LeBron has played his best basketball in some of the most tense games in NBA history, most notably during the 2016 NBA Finals, where he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever championship.
Overall, Barkley does not necessarily seem to be slighting James in this take. Instead, he is simply breaking down how different approaches to the game can still yield phenomenal results.
Charles also comes from an old-school era where the players were less friendly with one another, looking to gain whatever competitive edge they could.
Whereas, in today’s era of social media, players are as connected as ever and frequently switch teams, thereby decreasing tribalism. LeBron James is friends with this generation’s other great players, such as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry.
Going away from Barkley’s comments, James is in some unprecedented territory with his current level. And because of his form, the Los Angeles Lakers are entering the season expecting to contend in a loaded Western Conference.
LeBron and star point guard Luka Doncic will need to be the league’s best duos to contend with the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder, along with Durant’s Houston Rockets and Curry’s Golden State Warriors.
Still, even at 40, James cannot be counted out, as he looks to further the argument that he is the greatest basketball player of all time.