Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently offered a thoughtful and unexpected perspective on one of basketball’s most polarizing conversations: the NBA‘s greatest player of all time.
The GOAT debate has fueled endless arguments among fans, media members, and former players, with opinions often shifting based on championships or personal preference.
Despite the many greats the league has produced, the discussion almost always narrows to two names – Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Jordan‘s legacy was cemented during his dominant run with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. His six championships, flawless Finals record, and competitive edge defined an era and set the gold standard for excellence. For many, that perfect postseason rsum makes the case closed.
LeBron, on the other hand, has built his claim differently. His greatness has unfolded over two decades, marked by record-breaking longevity, versatility across positions, four NBA titles, and his rise to the league’s all-time leading scorer.
Now in his 23rd season and still performing at a high level, James continues to reshape what an elite NBA career can look like. With each passing year, the debate evolves rather than settles, especially as LeBron adds to a rsum that already spans multiple generations of competition.
Redick’s perspective adds new layer to the debate
Ahead of a Lakers matchup in Chicago, Redick was asked for his take on the GOAT discussion, and his response avoided the usual framing. Instead of ranking one legend above the other, he acknowledged the inherent difficulty in comparing different eras, play styles, and statistical environments.
Redick suggested that both Jordan and James can be viewed as No. 1 depending on how the question is approached, ultimately labeling them as the two greatest players the game has ever seen.
What stood out most, however, was Redick‘s insight into LeBron‘s preparation. Now coaching James after years of observing from the outside, Redick described a level of discipline and focus that borders on obsession.
Every aspect of LeBron‘s routine, he explained, is centered on readiness – preparing his body and mind for the next game, the next matchup, the next challenge.
That relentless approach, Redick believes, is the key reason James has sustained excellence well into his forties. It also serves as a model for younger players entering the league, demonstrating that greatness is not only about talent but about daily commitment and professionalism.
While Redick stopped short of declaring LeBron the undisputed GOAT, his admiration for James‘ work ethic and longevity was clear. As LeBron continues to defy expectations and potentially extend his career even further, the debate seems far from over.
Instead of narrowing the conversation, Redick‘s stance broadens it by reminding fans that Jordan and LeBron each define excellence in their own unforgettable way.
