Michael Jordan and LeBron James (Image Credits: Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan are regarded as two of the greatest basketball players ever. Many NBA analysts and players often debate who deserves the title of the greatest player of all time. However, a former NBA player believes that when discussing James, who recently slammed Caitlin Clark haters, as the greatest player in NBA history, fans only bring up Jordan’s name.

During a recent appearance on the “Above the Rim with DH 12” podcast, Gilbert Arenas joined Dwight Howard for an unfiltered conversation about basketball and life. The former NBA player also discussed who the actual GOAT of basketball is.

“They will never bring up Michael Jordan because he’s not real today. He’s real like we know who he is but the only people who bring him up is when LeBron James’ name gets mentioned. That’s the only reason Michael Jordan’s relevant. They’re combating the stats… Once LeBron James is solidified ‘you are the GOAT’, Jordan swindles. That’s why people are like yo ‘why nobody talk about Kobe being a GOAT?’ Because he got surpassed already. There’s no point of talking about number three, it’s only one and two now” Arenas said.

The former NBA player mentioned that no one talks about the legendary player Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020, as the GOAT player. According to Arenas, people believe that Bryant comes after James and Jordan.

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A Comparison of the Careers of Michael Jordan and LeBron James

Jordan and James have done enough to be considered basketball greats in the history of the NBA. The Lakers star will play his 22nd NBA season in two months. During his professional career, the 39-year-old achieved several milestones, including four NBA championships, 3 Olympic gold medals, 4 MVP titles, four finals MVP awards, and appeared in the NBA All-Star game 20 times. Additionally, James is the all-time points leader.

On the other hand, Jordan had a remarkable 15-season NBA career, during which he achieved several achievements. He won 6 NBA championships, was named MVP 5 times, earned six finals MVP awards, and appeared in the NBA All-Star game 14 times. Additionally, the Bulls legend played a crucial role in popularizing basketball and the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s.

Jordan played for 15 seasons before retiring in 2003, but James, who was recently named the 2024 Paris Olympics MVP, is still competing to add more honors to his collection.

Social Media Couldn’t Agree More With Dwight Howard After He Claims The 2008 Redeem Team Would Beat The 2024 Team USA

Team USA at Paris Olympics vs Team USA at Beijing Olympics
This year’s Team USA, packed with 12 NBA stars, went unbeaten to secure their fifth straight gold. After the final victory, LeBron James dubbed the team the “The Avengers,” drawing a parallel to the 2008 “Redeem Team.”

Former NBA star Dwight Howard recently ignited a debate among fans of both squads. During his appearance on the “Gil’s Arena Live” podcast with Gilbert Arenas, Howard argued that the 2008 “Redeem Team” could beat “The Avengers” in a 7-game series.

“That’s a good one; I’m going with our team. We got a prime Kobe, young LeBron, the bald head D-Wade. I got ’08,” Howard said.

“We were young, talking about Bron at 23, I’m 22, Melo at 24, Chris Bosh at 24! Oh my. This prime, this is their year; Wade was 26 and Boozer was going crazy,” Howard added.

Fans React to Dwight Howard’s Claim on “Redeem Team”

The “Redeem Team” made history in 2008 by securing a gold medal with a 118-107 victory over Spain. This legendary team featured NBA icons like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Jason Kidd, and Dwyane Wade. Dwight Howard, who was a crucial member of that squad, earned his only career Olympic gold medal with the team before recently joining the Taiwan League.

In contrast, “The Avengers” team achieved their gold medal by defeating Team France 98-87 in the final game of the Paris Olympics. Despite the success of both teams, Dwight Howard has recently stirred debate by claiming that the “Redeem Team” is superior to the current “The Avengers” squad.

However, the former Los Angeles Lakers player‘s opinion has not been universally accepted. Many fans believe that “The Avengers” team showed even greater potential on the international stage.

Some even argue that the current team could potentially sweep the “Redeem Team” in a head-to-head matchup.

Many fans argued that Kobe’s 2008 Olympic team was far superior to “The Avengers” team. Some even point to the Paris Olympics team’s narrow victory over South Sudan as evidence that the 2008 team had superior coaching, players, and overall performance.

The discussion continues as fans weigh the merits of both extraordinary teams. It will remain to be seen how the debate evolves and if any other Redeem Team’s stars come forward to support Howard.