Lebron James’ Lakers teammates weigh in on GOAT debate
The LeBron James GOAT debate reignited after the Los Angeles Lakers took a 3-0 lead against the Houston Rockets. Sports programs and fans couldn’t get enough of LeBron, 41, leading the Luka-less Lakers to what appeared to be a clean sweep after being viewed as the underdogs in a 4-seed and 5-seed Western Conference matchup.
Then, the debate took another turn as the Lakers lost two straight against the Rockets despite Kevin Durant not being on the roster.
Now, the debate has come to a head in this year’s playoffs, as LeBron posted an impressive 28/7/8 stat line, including a team-best plus/minus (+26), in the decisive 98-78 victory in Game 6 in Houston.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. GET THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures during the pregame ritual before the first quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick informed the media that James’ teammates were weighing in on the GOAT. Funny enough, they made their thoughts known with a specific voice.
LEGENDARY OLYMPIAN MICHAEL IS HELPED BY MICHAEL JORDAN IN RENEWED NBA GOAT COMPETITIONS
In his post-game press conference, Redick said: “When we all walked on the field [the locker room]I don’t know why but the lights were off… Literally every guy was screaming “Bahhhh! Hahhhh!” he said.
Redick elaborated on his team’s animalistic remarks: “This is [Lebron’s] size.”
There’s no doubt that what LeBron has done at age 41, in his 23rd NBA season, is impressive. His longevity and first-round play, averaging 23.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, led to high praise.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick talks to LeBron James during the second half of the NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Jae C. Hong/AP)
After emphasizing his praise for his team’s seemingly ageless superstars, Redick himself entered the GOAT debate, saying: “To me, he had the best career of any NBA player. You can argue all you want, and I don’t care to make assumptions about who is the greatest of all time, but he is one of, if not the greatest of all time.”
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Even though he’s firmly in the Michael Jordan greatest-of-all-time camp, I can recognize LeBron’s greatness. I have many criticisms of LeBron’s career, his style of play, his attitude, his coaching, his leadership qualities, and his political stance, but I will give him the golf applause for his performance in the first round. If he wants to get a round of applause or even a standing ovation, he’ll have to come up with a high performance against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James passes the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams during the first half of an NBA game on December 23, 2023 in Oklahoma City. (Nate Billings/AP)
If LeBron struggles individually against the Thunder, those in and outside the media who praised him for defeating a depleted Rockets team that played five of six games without Durant, their best player, should remain consistent and not lean on his age or Dončić’s absence as an excuse. In the meantime, instead of rehashing the MJ vs. LeBron debate, it’s worth appreciating the real heavyweight fight: LeBron vs. Father Zaman, a fight he’s still staying away from, at least for now.
