Lebron is probably the most hyped prospect in the history of sports. KAJ, Wilt were probably on his level, but with espn, internet, etc. I think he exceeded their hype. I don't know if he has lived up the hype, but I think he has gotten pretty close. When his career ends where will he be ranked? GOAT - I don't think this is very likely Top 2 - Unlikely Top 3 - Maybe Top 5 - I think he ends up here Top 10- I think this probably a lock unless something crazy happens Top 15 - I think he is here already Top 20 - Top 25 -
Top 5, Top 2 right now seems tough because of guys like Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Bird. He definitely has the potential though, but he needs to win at least 5 championships.
I said top 5, but that is conditional on him winning some more championships. He's pretty much a lock for top 10 though IMO. He could be as high as top 3, but he needs to dominate in championships for the next few years to get there. He has all the accolades needed except championships.
This depends on if his recent track record of stepping up in big games and in the clutch continues, or he goes back to his "75 cent" ways.... Remember although the biggest knock against Wilt was that he was a choker/loser, he did win two championships, and I'm sure in 1967 people thought he had turned the corner in that regard, only to see him choke again in 1968 and 1969.
In terms of skill and impact on the game: Wilt MJ Magic (Bird) (Kareem) (Shaq) (Russel) arguably belong on this tier .... Hakeem Dr J LeBallin O Robson .... Junior Bean Jerry West In terms of popularity: MJ Junior Bean ..... LBJ
Top three at best. Don't think anyone can surpass MJ. He's a living folk legend. So many myths circulating about the guy that weren't even true. Especially the "Michael Jordan didn't play for those two years so Rockets championships don't count" myth. With a delusional fanbase like that MJ will never get surpassed. Pretty soon in a hundred years there will be stories about how MJ came back to the league on his Bobcats team and won three championships at the age of 50 as a player-gm-coach.
Aside from the BS about the Rockets titles being tainted, the rest of the Jordan Mythos is pretty much grounded in fact.
top 2, as long as he continues winning and playing. i think if he wants to, he could be a solid player into his 40s, because of the way he plays, the IQ, the attitude, the way he's developing (smarter post game, doesn't give a **** about people wanting him to play Kobe ball). i don't think he'll be like Wizards' Jordan at the same age --- an inefficient chucker who doesn't know better because he lives in the past. At that age, LeBron will either be retired, or a very solid, very efficient All Star level role player that everyone wants to have on their team --- think the 2004 Reggie Miller, but obviously a different type of player. To me, this is more about his teammates. Do Wade's legs hold up? I suppose for a few more years, but what then? Does he move teams, do they manage to fix it on the fly? Do they keep paying huge salary to Wade, because that's the right thing to do? In the end, the number of rings matters. If he wins as many as Jordan while still being near his prime (i.e. in the next 8-9 years, probably), he'll be regarded similarly. If he only wins 1 or 2 more... he would still likely be considered top 5, especially if the tail years of his career turn out the way I suggested.
I think he's top 15 right now (if he retired today). I think he will finish at 4 IMO. Behind Jordan, Magic and Kareem.
I dislike Lebron but at the rate he is going he probably ends top 10. And this is from someone who really doesn't like him (from a bball aspect, don't know him personally)
ummm MJ was equally as hated when he played. Just because people think of him as the GOAT doesn't mean people thought he wasn't a douchebag.
If he retired today I see him at 10, I could see him making it as high as #3 when it is all said and done though. I see these 9 ahead of him (just the order they came to mind) Jordan Magic Bird Wilt Russell Hakeem Kobe Shaq Duncan
Top 10 All-Time if he retired today is a bit ludicrous.....definitely top 20 though based on all his accolades over the last decade
