Categories: Media

NBA legend claims LeBron James has already cemented his G.O.A.T. status

Published by
Ryan Ward

LeBron James is now a four-time NBA champion after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a title in an incredibly difficult and unprecedented bubble environment.

With James continuing to make waves in the greatest of all time or G.O.A.T. debate, Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas told Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay that it’ll be hard to argue against James being the best ever a decade from now.

“We have never seen in the NBA a player like LeBron James,” Thomas said. “He (James) breaks a record every single night just to remind you you’ve never seen this before. Some people will have a record and they’re dominating one category, but this dude is in the top 10 in every statistical category. That’s never happened from a guard position or wing position in our sport. When it’s all said and done, it’s going to be hard for people to look back 10 years from now and say, ‘He (James) wasn’t the best.’”

The G.O.A.T. debate will likely be a never-ending discussion regardless of what James accomplishes for the rest of his NBA career.

There’s no doubt that if James can stay healthy and play at an elite level this late in his career, he will have a legitimate shot at passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar atop the NBA’s all-time scoring list. He may also match or surpass the six titles won by Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan.

The one thing James has going for him right now is his longevity, and he’s in an ideal situation with the Lakers playing alongside a superstar in his prime in Anthony Davis.

Only time will tell if James can ultimately put the G.O.A.T debate to rest, but one thing is for sure, he has a very good chance of doing so when it is all said and done.

Ryan Ward

Ryan is a veteran sportswriter who has covered the NBA and NFL for nearly a decade. Along with numerous exclusive interviews with professional athletes, Ryan has been credentialed by the Los Angeles Lakers since 2011. Follow him on Twitter @RyanWardLA.

Published by
Ryan Ward

Recent Posts

Sources: Lakers have strong interest in re-signing Luke Kennard

The Los Angeles Lakers have strong interest in re-signing Luke Kennard this offseason, sources told…

March 16, 2026

Sources: Lakers to offer Austin Reaves $240M, have ‘no fear’ of losing him in FA

The Los Angeles Lakers plan to offer Austin Reaves a five-year, $240 million contract this…

March 11, 2026

Sources: LeBron James not interested in playing for the Warriors

LeBron James is not interested in playing for the Golden State Warriors next season if…

March 9, 2026

Sources: Steph Curry, Draymond Green to ‘heavily recruit’ LeBron this offseason

Golden State Warriors legends Stephen Curry and Draymond Green will heavily recruit LeBron James this…

March 2, 2026

Sources: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves to have big say in if LeBron is back with Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason for the…

February 27, 2026

Report: Feeling around NBA is LeBron will play ‘at least’ one more season

Los Angeles Lakers superstar forward LeBron James turned 41 years old during the ongoing 2025-26…

February 19, 2026