Kenny Smith Finally Admits Micheal Jordan Is The Goat Over Lebron!
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Kenny Smith Ranks Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James: Who Is the Greatest?
In the ongoing debate about the greatest basketball player of all time, few voices carry as much weight as Kenny Smith’s. A two-time NBA champion, former teammate of Michael Jordan at the University of North Carolina, and a respected NBA analyst, Smith offers a unique perspective on the legendary trio: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
During a recent interview, Smith was asked to rank these three icons, with number one being the best. Without hesitation, he placed Michael Jordan at the top, followed by Kobe Bryant, and then LeBron James.
Michael Jordan: The Most Complete Player
Smith emphasized Jordan’s unparalleled completeness as a basketball player. “Michael Jordan was the most complete basketball player that ever lived,” he said. According to Smith, Jordan’s combination of athleticism, fundamentals, and basketball IQ set him apart. Unlike many great athletes who rely primarily on physical gifts, Jordan mastered the fundamentals — correct hand placement in passing lanes, impeccable footwork, and defensive positioning — all honed during his three years at North Carolina.
Smith also highlighted how Jordan’s college experience prepared him for the NBA’s complexities, teaching him to navigate different defensive schemes such as zone defenses and man-to-man coverage. This foundation made Jordan’s transition to the professional level seamless and gave him an edge over other players.
Kobe Bryant: The Relentless Competitor
Kobe Bryant, ranked second by Smith, was praised for his fierce competitiveness and work ethic. Smith noted how Kobe quantified his hard work and backed up his words with consistent effort every day. While Kobe may not have had the same level of fundamental perfection as Jordan, his dedication and ability to perform under pressure earned him a place just behind the GOAT.
LeBron James: The Longevity Legend
LeBron James, ranked third, was recognized for his extraordinary longevity and sustained excellence. Smith acknowledged that no player has maintained such a high level of performance over as many years as LeBron. His basketball IQ, passing, and rebounding are comparable to Jordan’s, but Smith pointed out that defensively, there is still a gap.
Despite ranking LeBron third, Smith expressed admiration for his career and impact on the game. He also discussed how LeBron’s career moments, such as beating Detroit or Cleveland, were significant, but Jordan’s moments in key games were often more elevated.
The Impact of Rules and Era
Smith touched on how rule changes have affected players across eras. For example, the hand-checking rule in Jordan’s time made defense more physical, which Smith believes made players from that era tougher and more fundamentally sound. He also mentioned the “illegal offense” rule that was created because of Jordan’s dominance — teams could not isolate four players on one side of the court to let Jordan go one-on-one because it was too effective.
Social Media and Modern Stars
Smith reflected on how Michael Jordan might have handled today’s social media landscape, suggesting it would have been overwhelming given Jordan’s global fame even without the internet. He believed Jordan would have been an even bigger star and brand in the social media age.
Conclusion
Kenny Smith’s ranking — Michael Jordan first, Kobe Bryant second, and LeBron James third — is grounded in his firsthand experience playing alongside Jordan and observing all three players’ careers. He credits Jordan’s blend of athleticism, fundamentals, competitive drive, and impact on the game as reasons why he remains the greatest.
While acknowledging LeBron’s unmatched longevity and Kobe’s relentless drive, Smith’s analysis reaffirms the lasting legacy of Michael Jordan as the GOAT in basketball history.
