The NBA Greatest of All Time (GOAT) debate has created many heated debates but it seems we finally have some closure on the situation. The votes are in and while the final outcome was a close one, it seems that the players have a clear favorite.
A recent piece from The Athletic released the results of NBA players that voted for their pick of who is the greatest basketball player of all time. The vote consisted of 142 NBA players that selected their choice between March 5 – April 11. The players were offered anonymity to ensure they provided honest answers and the results are finally out.
Six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP Michael Jordan came in first place with 45.9 percent of the vote. While many would argue that Jordan took the league to new heights and grew the game internationally with his exciting and dynamic performances, the vote was closer than many people expected.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was the runner up to Jordan with a total of 42.1 percent of the votes. “King James” falls short of Jordan with four NBA titles and four league MVPs but does lead Jordan is several statistical categories. James is currently the all-time leading scorer in NBA history with a total of 40474 points. It is a record that is unlikely to be matched by any other player in the near future, especially considering James is still active and will likely play at least one or two more seasons.
NBA players have voted Michael Jordan as the greatest player of all time, but LeBron James is beginning to close the gap 👀
(Via https://t.co/fOzCR8ak3L) pic.twitter.com/lJKpkTScmO
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 22, 2024
Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who lead the organization to five NBA championships during his illustrious 20-year career, earned 9.8 percent of the vote.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who also has four rings, finished with 0.8 percent of the vote.
The list was loaded with Lakers stars with Magic Johnson also getting a shout for the greatest of all-time with 0.8 percent.
Boston Celtics Paul Pierce rounded out the list of talented stars.
