Buckle up, basketball fans! We’re diving deep into the world of hoops legends and the never-ending GOAT debate.
JJ Redick’s Take on LeBron’s Legendary Longevity
So, JJ Redick, now steering the Lakers ship, had a sit-down with Shaq on “The Big Podcast with Shaq.” They got into why the whole LeBron vs. Jordan debate is just not their jam. JJ’s all about LeBron’s staying power. He straight-up refuses to pit him against MJ, saying, “I refuse to get into the GOAT debate. I donโt care.” And honestly, who can argue with a guy who’s been crushing it for 21 years? That’s some serious staying power.
Here’s the kicker: LeBron’s been averaging 25 points a season for two decades. That’s wild. Sure, he hasn’t hit that 35-a-year mark, but consistency is key, right? It’s like comparing apples and orangesโor maybe more like comparing a slam dunk to a three-pointer. Depends on your flavor.
Shaq’s Love for LeBron’s Leadership
Shaq, the big man himself, chimed in with some love for LeBron’s leadership skills. Remember when they teamed up in Cleveland? Shaq was all about how LeBron ran the show. “He just ran it so perfectly,” Shaq said. And coming from a guy who’s used to being the boss, that’s high praise. I think LeBron’s leadership might be one of his most underrated qualities.
Speaking of trades, did you catch that wild Curry rumor? Anyway, back to the story. Shaq’s got a pointโLeBron’s leadership style is smooth, like butter on a hot biscuit.
The GOAT Debate: Where’s Kobe?
Now, here’s where Shaq gets a bit heated. He’s not thrilled with the GOAT talk because folks keep leaving out his boy Kobe. “You’ve got to put the Mercedes in there, too,” he says. It’s like talking luxury cars and forgetting the Benz. C’mon, people! JJ agrees, saying it’s all about tiers of greatness. Who’s on your Mount Rushmore of basketball?
Redick’s Thoughts on Jordan’s Era
JJ also threw in a curveball about Jordan’s era. He hinted that the league was a bit watered down back then. With teams popping up like daisies, did it dilute the talent pool? It’s a fair question. The NBA’s grown from 27 to 30 teams since then. More teams, more players, more competitionโor maybe not?
So, what do you think? Is the GOAT debate even worth it, or should we just appreciate each legend for what they brought to the game? Let me know your thoughts!
