sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Magic Johnson claims LeBron James will replace Michael Jordan as the NBA GOAT if he does two things

Home> NBA

Updated 15:52 5 Mar 2025 GMTPublished 15:51 5 Mar 2025 GMT

Magic Johnson claims LeBron James will replace Michael Jordan as the NBA GOAT if he does two things

The former Lakers star has spoken out to reveal exactly what LeBron James must do to dethrone Michael Jordan.

Ben McCrum

Ben McCrum

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

NBA legend Magic Johnson has revealed exactly what he thinks LeBron James has to do to dethrone Michael Jordan as the GOAT.

For years, basketball fans have debated who should be considered as the greatest man ever to step foot on the NBA court, with the majority concluding that the title belongs to one of James or Jordan.

After a highly successful career, Jordan retired for the third and final time in 2003, while James is still breaking records playing for the Los Angeles Lakers today.

Johnson, also considered one of the sport's greats, remains adamant that Jordan is the greatest to ever do it, but with James still active, he has named what the 40-year-old must do if he hopes to become the GOAT.

Advert

Across his 15 season long career, Jordan won an incredible six NBA titles, was a five-time MVP, six-time NBA finals MVP and maintained a flawless 6-0 record in those MVP finals.

Meanwhile, James trails 'His Airness' with four NBA titles, whilst also winning the finals and NBA season MVP title four times.

Although Johnson praises James for these accomplishments, when asked what he need to do to dethrone Jordan as the best to ever do it, the former Lakers star said that James would need to win at least two more championship titles.

Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show in 2023, Johnson said: “It might take a couple more championships to do that. LeBron is special, and I don’t want people always getting mad— we’ve got to celebrate both guys.Michael is the best, and we should celebrate him and celebrate LeBron.

LeBron James is still considered one of the best players competing in the NBA. (Image: Getty)
LeBron James is still considered one of the best players competing in the NBA. (Image: Getty)

"I hate when people get mad at you when you take one or the other. We should just say, ‘Hey, Michael is special,’ and he’s the best to me because he never lost in the NBA Finals, and he averaged over 30 points a game. That guy is just unbelievable.

"But LeBron is special too in his own right too, and people shouldn’t forget that either, but when it’s all said and done, if you come at me and ask me, that’s who I am going to with, and it’s MJ."

Featured Image Credit: Club Shay Shay

Topics: NBA, Basketball, Lebron James, Michael Jordan

Ben McCrum
Ben McCrum

Ben is a sports journalist who specialises in football, Formula One and MMA. He has written for publications such as Manchester Evening News, WiganToday, Manchester World and beIN Sports. Throughout his career, he has interviewed top athletes including Gareth Southgate, Luke Littler, Tom Aspinall and Jenson Button.

X

@benmcc14

Recommended reads

Man Utd's 15 transfer targets to fill four key positions as at least six prepare to leaveGetty ImagesDennis Taylor interview: Why snooker legend is playing in brand-new event... and how he saved someone's lifeGettyRanking the top 10 best golfers of all time as Nicklaus v Woods GOAT debate settledGetty ImagesDavid Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridarts

Advert

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
9 days ago
14 days ago
a month ago
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    LeBron James’ agent defends star with GOAT claim under threat

    LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of a historic collapse.

    NBA
  • NBA
    9 days ago

    NBA star struggles to get off floor after suffering terrifying head injury

    The incident occurred during the NBA play-off clash between the Spurs and Trail Blazers.

    NBA
  • Getty
    14 days ago

    LeBron James' ex-teammate backs Michael Jordan as NBA GOAT ahead of play-offs

    James will feature for the LA Lakers against the Houston Rockets this weekend.

    NBA
  • Getty
    a month ago

    Shaquille O'Neal responds to claims he slid into Sabrina Carpenter's DMs

    O'Neal has strongly denied the claims.

    NBA
  • LeBron James given new nickname by Lakers after achieving incredible feat Michael Jordan never managed
  • Scottie Pippen gave 'the best damn answer' when asked if Michael Jordan or LeBron James is the NBA GOAT
  • NBA legend says 'it's time to stop this' after violating LeBron James' GOAT debate credentials with Michael Jordan stat
  • LeBron James given new nickname by Lakers after achieving incredible feat Michael Jordan never managed