Stephen A. Smith 'retires' the GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James with answer that's divided fans

Popular American sports journalist Stephen A. Smith has had his say on the NBA’s greatest of all time (GOAT) debate.

Smith, 57, is one of the most respected sports journalists in the US and discussed the topic when speaking on First Take.

Michael Jordan and LeBron James are widely considered to be the two best basketball players of all time.

Jordan, 62, boasts six NBA championships from his 15-season playing career while James – currently at the Los Angeles Lakers – sports four titles.

But who does Smith consider to be the greatest out of the pair?

Well, there are arguments and stats which point towards both players. LeBron recently achieved something Jordan never could during the Lakers’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The 40-year-old became the first NBA player to register 50,000 points with his first shot of the game.

In terms of longevity, James arguably has the advantage and is into his 22^nd season, although he averages fewer points with 27 per game compared to Jordan’s record of 30.1 in regular season matches.

LeBron James in action for the LA Lakers (Credit:Getty)

"I know, and we all know I’m putting nobody ahead of Michael Jordan,” said Smith.

“Nobody. And I stand on it. My definition of the GOAT is you at your best against anybody else at their best.

“There’s nobody who has been as good [as LeBron James]," he added. "Meaning [in terms of] longevity, a sustained level of pristine excellence, LeBron James is the GOAT in that category. Jordan at his best is the greatest that I have ever seen, but Jordan wasn’t that good for that long.

"I'll even go a step further. Knowing how I feel about Jordan, and I think anyone who knows basketball agrees with me, I actually think it's time to not even have the debate anymore. That's how great LeBron James has been for as long as he's been that great. I can stand down and acknowledge that."

Fellow basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson had his say on the debate when speaking on the Dan Patrick show a few years back.

He said: "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."