And I don't ever want to blast Larry Legend. Dude is 1 of the 10 greatest ever with an offensive peak that rivals almost anyone. I just smdh at people missing out on how great Lebron is/has been. We've mainly talked offense in this thread but he might be the most versatile defender of his generation. He could guard a prime Derrick Rose, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, basically anyone 1-4. How awesome for a coach to be able put his best 4 on the floor and then plug Lebron in the hole.
Larry and Lebron At Age 30
- Thread starter Chuckinden
- Start date
That's what happens when you let the hate out of your heart and just be a fan of a game that we all love
Oh, okay thanks. That was a close one. He has the tools and the defensive A game to wreak havoc in any era, just a matter of expending effort. Five times he's finished with top 4 in defensive win shares, with another top 10 finish. Two top 10 defensive rating seasons. As most stars with an offensive burden do, he coasts on D (particularly the last 3 years).
I love Bird. But come on...your memory is fuzzy.
The only conversation is Lebron vs MJ.
I'm a child of the 80s. Bird and Magic - those were my formative years. And I'm lucky that way, as was arguably the greatest era for both pro and college hoops. I can put all that nostalgia and emotion aside. Bird and Magic are two of the best ever. Top 5 or 6, I think.
Never thought I'd say this: Lebron is better than both, and is now in the conversation with MJ for GOAT. Michael's great attribute was a tanacity of competitive monsterishness. Lebbron's is basketball IQ. MJ was a great scorer, Lebron is great all around. His game is more Magic than MJ.
Man, we live in such an era of haterismus......
Never thought I'd say this: Lebron is better than both, and is now in the conversation with MJ for GOAT. Michael's great attribute was a tanacity of competitive monsterishness. Lebbron's is basketball IQ. MJ was a great scorer, Lebron is great all around. His game is more Magic than MJ.
Man, we live in such an era of haterismus......
Larry Bird, healthy and in his prime, is the greatest NBA player of all time in my opinion. Unfortunately, his back limited him. Its crazy when you think that an oft injured Bird is still considered among the top 5 to 10 players of all time, imagine what he wouldve accomplished had he managed to stay healthy during the bulk of his career?
The greatest??? C'mon, brother... Larry is one of the all time greats, but even his healthiest and best season doesn't compare to Jordan or Lebron. Larry was absolutely the greatest competitor the game has ever seen though and IMHO more fun to watch than either of the aforementioned.
Lebron is better. Jordan, Kareem and lebron are my top 3 with Russell up high as well due to number of titles.
Early 20s...Larry all day and it's not close. 30??...early 30s, Lebron.
Can't see Lebron top 3. Just can't. You can say all you want, but Larry played in an era where defenses were way more physical and team oriented.
Lebron whines now on touch fouls. Parrish, McHale, Ainge, Laimbeer, Barkley, Oakley, Mason, and an unlimited list of players on a many teams are far more brutal than today's game.
Lol. Draymond Green playing back in those days. It would hilarious.
Stop it. Even Celtics superhomer Bill Simmons concedes the debate is over. It's Lebron, and that's no slight on Bird.
Magic is better than Bird if you want to go to that era. Kobe had a better career than Bird as well. Throw out Shaq as well.
Magic was point guard and Bird was a point forward. Would take either over Lebron.
Sometimes I think people talk about Lebron even though they have never watched him play.
Kobe won two titles without Shaq. Shaw won one without Kobe and Wade was a better 2nd than Gasol IMO.
People hate Kobe so he will never get the due he deserves all time IMO. Clear top 10 all time talent.
And if you would take Magic and Bird over Lebron I won't argue that. All 3 very great players. It's all about who thinks what is best to build their team around. Magic won 5 title and had amazing stats despite retiring early due to HIV.
All very valid points. My bias meets today's Nba'ers without apathy. I just have hard time with today's pro game. Kobe no ill will from me. Solid career, just didn't see winner's edge you'd see in Magic and Bird.
Bird was never going to defer on a game winner, period. He damn near invented the word clutch. He also played through all sorts of injuries.
I don't know who was better, but if I need two points to win a game then I'm rolling with Bird over James every time.
He also didnt whine about trash talk like LeBron.
I have always been in the MJ is the greatest and always will be camp.
Not anymore. I'm not a big LeBron fan but the dude is clearly the best to ever play the game.
Another 2-3 seasons of him playing at or close to his current level and it won't even be a discussion anymore.
Not anymore. I'm not a big LeBron fan but the dude is clearly the best to ever play the game.
Another 2-3 seasons of him playing at or close to his current level and it won't even be a discussion anymore.
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