The greatest of all time [GOAT] debate involving Michael Jordan and LeBron James is unending. Podcasts hosted by former NBA players never fail to bring this topic up every once in a while.
Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, “Gil’s Arena,” saw guest Bomani Jones give his take on this topic. Whether it’s an old, new or rehashed argument, the people in the studio were interested to hear what Jones had to say.
Here’s Jones’ comments about the GOAT candidates:
“I feel like the difference between Mike [Jordan], Kobe [Bryant] and LeBron [James], LeBron likes winning. Michael Jordan likes beating people. Michael Jordan would not enjoy winning at solitaire or winning at no video game against a computer. He wants to beat people like he is a sociopath. He wants you to lose.
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“I don’t think LeBron is built in that way. Kobe’s the same way. He wants you to lose one on one. It’s not so much about winning as much as ‘I want to beat this person that is directly across me.’”
Kenyon Martin, a co-host of Arenas' show, agreed with Bomani Jones’ comment. Martin added that Jordan “despises” losing, making his desire to “win at all cost” a big part of the Chicago Bulls legend’s resume.
Jones’ argument isn’t something new. Most basketball fans put Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s no-holds-barred approach to winning over LeBron James. “His Airness” and the “Black Mamba” have reputedly more killer instincts than “King James.”
Bomani Jones’ comments aren’t likely swaying the belief of James fanatics. The four-time MVP is entrenched at the totem pole of basketball in the eyes of his believers.
Bomani Jones’ GOAT discussion around Michael Jordan & LeBron James debunked Gilbert Arenas’ previous take
Three weeks ago, Gilbert Arenas had an interesting take on the GOAT debate. “Agent Zero” had this to say in an episode of Dwight Howard’s “Above The Rim with DH 12:”
(2:12:15 mark)
“You take away all the ni**ers that’s over 60 years old speaking on TV. They will 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.”
Bomani Jones, Arenas’ guest in the podcast, is still 44 years old and previously worked as an analyst for ESPN. This time, Jones made a valid argument about the neverending debate and highlighted key differences between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Inadvertently, the “Around the Horn” panelist debunked Arenas' take during an appearance on Dwight Howard’s podcast. It could have created an awkward moment, but “Agent Zero” did not say anything and Jones continued his discussion.