LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players to have ever graced the court. However, when it comes to the highly debated title of “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT), many argue that this well-known player doesn’t quite make the cut. So, let’s look into the 15 most significant reasons why, despite his greatness, LeBron James isn’t commonly considered the “GOAT!”
More NBA Finals Losses Than Wins
LeBron James has a 4-6 record in the NBA Finals, which shows he’s lost more than he’s won. He lost in 2007, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018, failing to win the ultimate prize consistently. Although getting to the Finals is impressive, winning them is what separates good from great.
Championships Are Questionable
Another reason is the debate surrounding his four championship wins. For instance, critics believe he only secured his 2013 NBA title with help from Ray Allen. The titles may be official, yet there are players like Michael Jordan whose titles have no such controversy attached.
Lost Finals MVPs To Opponents
In multiple Finals appearances, LeBron has been outshined by his opponents. Dirk Nowitzki bested him in 2011, Kawhi Leonard earned Finals MVP over him in 2014, and Kevin Durant outplayed him in 2017 and 2018. These performances raise questions about LeBron’s ability to dominate on the biggest stage.
Lost To Inferior Teams in the Playoffs
Despite his immense talent, LeBron has suffered surprising playoff losses to relatively weaker teams—like when his Miami Heat lost to the Mavericks in 2011. Michael Jordan, on the other hand, never lost to an underdog team in the playoffs, making LeBron’s occasional stumbles more glaring.
Been Passive In Critical Moments
In critical situations, LeBron has been criticized for passing the ball to teammates instead of taking over the game. He admitted to this in 2014, citing games where his passive play cost his team victory. As fans expect the GOAT to dominate when the stakes are highest, LeBron’s occasional performances are deal breakers.
Product Of A Softer NBA
Banning hand-checking and giving free passes to zone defenses created room for players like LeBron to operate. These modern rules have allowed LeBron to take advantage of a softer style of basketball and gain popularity, whereas Jordan excelled in a more challenging, more defensive-minded league.
Finals Appearances Were Often In A Weaker Eastern Conference
A common criticism of LeBron is that he played mainly in the Eastern Conference, which is considered weaker than the Western Conference. The argument is that LeBron’s Finals opponents were not as tough as Jordan’s competition in the 1990s, thus diminishing the value of his achievements.
He Flops Excessively
Critics often fault LeBron for his theatrical reactions to fouls, branding him a player with many excuses. Flopping certainly helps him draw fouls, but it also damages his legacy, as many believe the GOAT should be able to handle physical play without resorting to such antics.
LeBron Has Less Clutch Than Jordan
LeBron has hit some impressive shots, but none have the same legendary status as Jordan’s iconic game-winners. For instance, Jordan’s “The Shot” over Craig Ehlo in 1989 and Bryon Russell in 1998 are unforgettable NBA moments that maintain Jordan’s supremacy over LeBron in the GOAT debate.
Benefited From Superteams
After seven seasons in Cleveland without a title, LeBron left for Miami to form a “super team” with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Fast-forward four years later, LeBron returned to Cleveland in 2014, forming yet another super team. This led to three championships, yet demonstrated his need for external help.
He Is Not Coachable
To qualify as the greatest of all time, you must be open-minded and coachable. But LeBron has a reputation for being the complete opposite. In his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron clashed with head coach Paul Silas and eventually got him fired. This definitely doesn’t scream GOAT material.
Only One Scoring Title
While LeBron is often praised for his versatility, he only has one scoring title, which he earned in 2008. In contrast, Jordan dominated the scoring charts throughout his career, winning ten incredible titles. LeBron’s scoring ability is undeniable, but he hasn’t led the league in points as Jordan did.
Longevity Doesn’t Prove GOAT Status
Having a 21-year NBA career has allowed LeBron to break numerous records, including becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. However, critics argue that piling up stats over an extended career doesn’t automatically make him the GOAT. Jordan, despite retiring twice, won six championships and five MVP awards in just 15 seasons.
He’s Got Free Throw Struggles
In high-pressure moments, LeBron’s weak free-throw shooting has hurt his teams. His career free-throw percentage is around 73.6%, which is low for a superstar of his caliber. On the other hand, Michael Jordan was a more reliable free-throw shooter with an 83.5% career percentage.
Other Better Candidates
Why give the crown to LeBron when there are more deserving athletes? Michael Jordan, of course, is the benchmark—his perfect Finals record, unmatched scoring ability, and fierce competitiveness set him apart. But beyond Jordan, players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain also have strong resumes that LeBron lacks.
15 Reasons LeBron James Falls Short of GOAT Status