LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan is a tale as old as time when having basketball’s GOAT debate.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe are by no means strangers to the argument.
Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe have been known to engage in the argument of MJ vs. LJ[/caption]
They have made their stances very clear over the years, on where they stand in terms of who the basketball GOAT is.
Smith rides with Jordan. Sharpe sides with James.
The debate and argument has been split and dissected in just about every possible direction, but on ESPN’s flagship program, First Take, the two commentators offered a new spin.
LeBron James vs Michael Jordan… in James’ 40-year-old season (turning 40 at the end of the month), compared to Jordan’s 39-year-old season.
In other words, comparing their twilight years together, where neither exactly lit the league on fire, or in James’ case, currently not lighting it up.
Smith and Sharpe both tried to break it down why one was greater than the other at this point in their careers.
Jordan was with the Washington Wizards where he wrapped up his career, in an otherwise forgettable stint.
James currently has the Lakers as a play-in team, despite his struggles.
Smith and Sharpe exchanged verbal jabs, with Smith questioning why James is still playing if he is proving to be ineffective at this point in his career.
“I think it’s getting to the point where we might have to start asking ourselves, ‘Well what are you still playing for?’
Sharpe took offense to that question, offering his rebuttal if that question was ever asked when Jordan went to Washington.
“Did you ever post that question to the guy that went to Washington?”
The debate went on for nearly five minutes.
Sharpe questioned why Jordan never got the heat and criticism at the end of his career that James is currently getting.
As always, the conversation went back to rings and championships.
Jordan has six.
James has four.
And so the argument goes back around and around.
A never-ending debate on who the actual greatest player of all-time is that will rage on forever.
Smith will never change his mind, nor will Sharpe.
And that’s the beauty of sports debate television.