Paul Pierce, on the show “Undisputed,” asserted that LeBron James has the chance to be the greatest of all the greatest in basketball. However, the stipulation for that status would be for the Los Angeles Lakers to win this year’s NBA title. His comments have sparked a debate within the basketball world as it does whenever the GOAT debate is reignited.
No team in the history of the NBA has ever won the title starting from the sixth seed or lower, bar the Houston Rockets. The Los Angeles Lakers are currently 9th on the Western Conference standings with a 41-33 record and, going by precedent, have a difficult path to the title.
Pierce believes that if LeBron James was to break the norm and lead the Lakers to ultimate championship glory, then it would, without an ounce of doubt, solidify his status as the greatest. This feat would be even more remarkable at the age of 39.
"This will be LeBron's greatest feat…He will become the GOAT of all GOATs."@PaulPierce34 on what 5th championship would mean for LeBron at age 39 pic.twitter.com/J5LMgP9zS0
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) March 29, 2024
The Lakers have the experience to make a case for the title, combined with James’ unparalleled high basketball IQ. However, while winning his fifth championship title will boost his GOAT status, it won’t ultimately settle the debate.