LeBron James has firmly secured his place among the greatest athletes to ever play in the NBA. With a remarkable career that includes four NBA championships, ten NBA Finals appearances, four MVP awards, four Finals MVPs, and numerous All-Star Game accolades, James' legendary status is undeniable. His dominance on the court extends to international success as well, with four Olympic medals—three of them gold.
This incredible résumé has often sparked debates about whether he can be considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) in basketball, with many comparing his legacy to that of Michael Jordan. However, in a surprising turn of events, a former NBA legend recently shared his own take on James' claim to the GOAT title.
What he had to say on LeBron James' NBA legacy
Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion and a cornerstone of the Chicago Bulls' dynasty, has built a career on teamwork, defense, and leadership. Known for his fierce competition alongside Michael Jordan, Pippen helped lead the Bulls to six NBA titles in the 1990s, and his name is often mentioned among the greatest small forwards of all time. Recently, in an interview with Patrick Bet-David on the PBD Podcast, Pippen made a startling claim regarding LeBron James’ place in NBA history.
Pippen, who played his entire career with the Bulls, remarked, "My success as a team is more successful than LeBron. I got 6 rings." While this statement might surprise some, Pippen continued to elaborate on his viewpoint, suggesting that while James’ individual accolades are impressive, the collective nature of the NBA was more important to him. He further explained, "You want individual accolades or do you want championships? Because I didn’t chase mines."
Pippen also addressed the idea of the GOAT debate, making it clear that in his view, team success is paramount.
He stated, "Again, team sports to me, there's no GOAT. There's great teams."
This perspective contrasts sharply with the widespread argument that individual achievements, such as James', should define the greatest player of all time.
The conversation took another turn when Pippen was asked who he would choose to build a team around. In an unexpected response, he picked San Antonio Spurs' star and French center Victor Wembanyama, highlighting the importance of building a successful franchise around future talent.
While Pippen’s comments have certainly stirred the pot in the ongoing GOAT debate, they remind fans and analysts alike that greatness in the NBA is measured by more than just individual records—it’s about how one contributes to team success and shapes the league’s history.