LeBron James is now the all time leading scorer in NBA history and before the ball fell through the net on the record breaking shot I saw people shitting their pants to just let us know that "LeBron is no Jordan" and "Kobe would have won that game!" And to that I say, just stop. Never mind the fact that in Jordan's age 39 season he averaged 20 points and 6.5 rebounds which is stupid impressive on it's own accord, LeBron is averaging 30 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7 assists in year 20. Kobe in his last year averaged less than 18 points and his team finished 17-65.
For the record, I am a guy who believes Michael Jordan to be the greatest player of all time, however even though I believe that, I can still appreciate what LeBron has done and not shit all over the guy. And kids it is something that is to be awed. Not only did he live up to the hype of being a teenager on Sports Illustrated, crowned king before even stepping on the court, I would say he has exceeded all of those expectations.
Think about this, he is going to retire as the all time leading scorer, he is going to be in the top 4 for assists as well. The next closest guy who can make a similar claim is Kobe Bryant. He's 4th in points AND 33RD IN ASSISTS. To be a top 4 guy in those categories, go to 8 consecutive NBA Finals, and I'm going to repeat myself because it bears repeating, at 38 years old, in year 20 of his NBA career he is averaging 30, 8 and 7.
We can have the pointless GOAT debate when he retires, but for just this once, let's sit back and recognize we are seeing something that we have never seen before and likely will never see again. Appreciate history as it happens.
When we tell the youngins in the future about the greatness in our presence do you want to tell them about the playoff performances, the highlights, the longevity? Or are you gonna tell them you argued with anyone who would listen about how one of the most impressive athletes regardless of sport wasn't as good as the memories of your favorite player?
Michael Jordan isn't walking through that door, Kobe Bryant isn't walking through that door. Accept that and appreciate what we have all been witnesses to.
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