Fanatics Fest in New York is ongoing, and the stars are out for the fans and world to see. From panel discussions, interviews, and exclusive podcast episodes to fans breaking out goat calls from the audience and Kevin Durant finding out in live time he was traded to the Houston Rockets—it’s been quite the eventful weekend. Included in the festivities are two of the greatest to ever play in their sport: Tom Brady and LeBron James. During a special episode of LeBron’s show, The Shop, Brady was a guest and didn’t shy away from extolling James, just as he has been extolled himself throughout his NFL career.
It was quite a moment on stage where Brady and James shared the spotlight away from their respective crafts but instead to chill out as regular guys. The two talked about sports and praised each other’s accolades and impact. The debate over who is the NBA GOAT will likely never cease. It has carried on as the most heated debate topic in sports for a decade. Until LeBron calls it quits on his basketball playing career, the debate will surely continue.
Debate all you want, but when someone who holds the stature and pedigree that Brady does, you have to listen. While sitting down with James on The Shop, he didn’t hold back from proclaiming James the greatest ever, showering him with praise regarding his career and everything he has accomplished.
“He’s always done things the right way, he’s always risen above all the noise and the BS and continued to deliver. You’re witnessing the Greatest ever, and I hope you guys all appreciate that.”
Tom Brady on LeBron: “He’s always done things the right way, he’s always risen above all the noise and the BS and continued to deliver. You’re witnessing the Greatest ever, and I hope you guys all appreciate that.” pic.twitter.com/N9khpOO8Ey
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) June 21, 2025
Those words, coming from a seven-time Super Bowl champion, record breaker, Hall of Famer, and the NFL GOAT in most eyes, have to move LeBron in some way. On top of that, good on Brady for publicly stating it.
Unless you are a staunch resister of LeBron’s game and career, you likely see his legacy already carved in stone. For many, there is nothing more he can do to add to that legacy, nor is there anything he can do to detract from it. That said, a fifth ring would be nice, and the longer he plays, only further strengthens the arguments for him. From Brady’s perspective, James has already cemented himself, and whatever he does next season or the one after, if he plays past the 2025-26 season, is a bonus.
For James, there’s no doubt he isn’t thinking about a fifth ring. It would put him one behind Michael Jordan and tie him with famed Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Of course, for many, it isn’t necessarily the titles that push James past Jordan. Instead, it’s the other feats and records James has conquered throughout his career. That said, again, a fifth ring can’t hurt.
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