LeBron James has always been part of the GOAT debate. It’s usually him and former NBA star Michael Jordan in the never-ending arguments about who’s greater. However, former champion Stephen Jackson feels that James is no longer relevant after he joined the Philadelphia 76ers this summer.
The four-time MVP signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers ahead of the 2026-27 season. He joins a loaded team that already has Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe. James’ choice to join the team increased Philly’s chances of winning a championship.
Before the season even starts, many analysts, fans and experts believe that the 76ers could be a threat to win the title because of James. While they have a chance to contend for a championship, Jackson believes his decision has affected where he stands in the GOAT discussion.
“All the talk you hear about the GOATs and comparing him to Jordan and Kobe. For me, Cleveland was the only one that made sense for me to keep him in that conversation,” Jackson said. “Going to a team that’s already championship ready, that’s not what I would look at as the best player in the league challenging himself. I don’t think that was a ‘best player in the league move’.”
Stephen Jackson says LeBron James isn’t in the same conversation as Kobe and MJ anymore after joining a championship-ready team in Philadelphia
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LeBron James joined the 76ers because he believes it’s a chance for him to win his fifth championship. James brings experience and veteran leadership to the title-hungry franchise. He’s paired with Brown, who led the Boston Celtics to a championship in 2024 and earned the Finals MVP honors.
Matt Barnes Speaks on LeBron James’ 76ers Decision
Everyone has raved about LeBron James’ decision to join the 76ers. While he’s still one of the most elite players in the NBA, former champion Matt Barnes believes that it will still depend on how Joel Embiid’s health holds up.
“I feel like he could be someone that’s 17 (points), 11 or 12 assists and seven or eight rebounds, and scores when he needs to,” Barnes said. “He has so many weapons around him now. But again, I still think it all depends on (Joel) Embiid’s availability.”
While James can still be effective even though he’ll turn 42 in December, Barnes believes the key to the 76ers’ success depends on Embiid. He remains hopeful to see how the team will formulate a strategy to allow the former MVP to play at least 40 to 50 games next season.