Media

Scottie Pippen says LeBron James is true G.O.A.T. and Michael Jordan ‘ruined basketball’

Published by
David Akerman

NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen has recently been taking shots at his former Chicago Bulls teammate Michael Jordan.

Pippen recently released his memoir “Unguarded,” and in an excerpt from the book, he said that Jordan “ruined basketball” while also heavily praising Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.

“I may go as far to say Mike ruined basketball,” Pippen wrote. “In the 80s on the playgrounds, you’d have everyone moving the ball around — passing to help the team. That stopped in the 90s. Kids wanted to be ‘Like Mike.’ Well, Mike didn’t want to pass — didn’t want to rebound, or defend the best player. He wanted everything done for him. That’s why I always believed LeBron James was the greatest player this game has ever seen — he does everything and embodies what the game is truly about.”

These are certainly strong words from the seven-time All-Star. It’s very interesting to see Pippen give James so much praise, as he hasn’t been the most complimentary of the four-time champion in the past.

Pippen’s change in opinion could definitely be related to his unhappiness with Jordan’s documentary “The Last Dance.”

Fans constantly have debates regarding who the better player between James and Jordan is. They’re arguably the two best players to have ever played the game of basketball.

It will be interesting see if either one of them responds to Pippen’s comments in the coming days.

James is surely focused on getting back on the court for the Lakers, while Jordan is definitely concentrated on the Charlotte Hornets.

David Akerman

David is a University of Maryland graduate who has spent most of his life in Miami. He has experience in writing, editing and video production. He is a proud contributor of Lakers Daily.

Published by
David Akerman

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