Feb 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Draymond Green Reveals NBA's Goat Between LeBron James, Michael Jordan

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Ryan Stano | Last updated Sep 12, 2025 12:35 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has put himself in the conversation for being the greatest player to ever play the game of basketball. His resume is simply astounding.

The combination of scoring, passing, rebounding, and timely defense makes him one of the most skilled players in NBA history. Winning four championships with three different teams is impressive, too.

The debate between James and Michael Jordan for G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) has been raging on for over a decade. Warriors forward Draymond Green waded into those waters and gave his opinion on who deserves the title.

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Draymond Green Calls Lakers Forward LeBron James The GOAT

Green declared James the G.O.A.T. because of the fact that Jordan got to play with Scottie Pippen during all of his championship runs.

Draymond Green explains why LeBron is the GOAT

“MJ had Pippen, Bron was winning games with Matthew Delladova.. that guy STINKS, no disrespect.”

(h/t @big_business_ )

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 9, 2025

“MJ had Pippen, Bron was winning games with Matthew Delladova.. that guy STINKS, no disrespect.”

While that is true, James also won a championship with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love on his team, both of whom will likely be in the Hall of Fame when their careers are over.

James also won two championships with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, both of whom are already in the Hall of Fame. Anthony Davis was on his team when the Lakers won the title in 2020.

The notion that James didn't play with all-time greats when he was a champion is completely misguided. He has played with some of the best players in the history of the league in the course of his long career.

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Lakers Forward LeBron James Needs to Make Another Title Run to Solidify His Spot as GOAT

If James wants a better argument for being the GOAT, he needs to win another championship before he retires. Getting five titles would put him equal with Kobe Bryant.

Green is one of James' good friends, so he isn't exactly unbiased when it comes to this argument. He was always going to pick James in this conversation because of that relationship.

This past season with the Lakers, James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He shot 51.3 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.