Sports legends, winners, and losers are all the things we talk about in the sports industry. For instance, in boxing, we have players such as Manny Pacquiao, and in basketball, we have legendary names that people seem to struggle to let go of, and those are Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and the late Kobe Bryant. However, this ongoing debate of who is the greatest in basketball has been going on for years and, to a certain extent, tiring, but guess what? People still talk about it. While he is not a basketball player, he seems to know something about the sport, and he has expressed who the best player in the NBA.
First of all, who is Michael Jordan, and who is LeBron James?
Both are two of the NBA’s elite players. Michael Jordan retired about two decades ago, and LeBron James is still in the game. Michael Jordan is a six-time NBA champion who has done nothing but excel in this sport and set a legacy that still speaks even today. In the world of boxing, Michael is perceived as one of the most, if not the most, influential sportspeople and is still making headlines even after 20 years.
LeBron James is a four-time NBA champion, and he is known for one thing: his longevity. He has proven to modern basketball that you can reach retirement age and still play like you are in your prime years. He has set a standard as well in the game and has become one of the most influential basketball players for young and upcoming players. Known for his ability to run fast, score, and his versatility, he is part of the legendary list.
In the final NBA GOAT argument, Manny Pacquiao chooses Michael Jordan over LeBron James
It is not a crime; we all have a favourite. While Manny Pacquiao chooses Michael Jordan over LeBron James, you probably think LeBron James is the best in the whole of the NBA. However, Manny has his reasons, and while they are valid and factual, it does not take away from the fact that James has just blown away how we see ageing and sport, a career that needs physical strength, endurance, and lots of energy, something that a 40-year-old does not really have.
Why did Manny Pacquiao pick Michael Jordan instead? According to him, Michael Jordan’s success goes beyond the statistics, fame, and numbers, but the man showed excellence during his time as a basketball player and never stopped winning. Manny Pacquiao sees himself in Jordan, the way he challenges even games, such as the Gervonta Davis fight after Barrios. Straight from his mouth, without any hesitation, this is what Manny Pacquiao said:
“The best is Michael Jordan, forever. There is no doubt about that. Michael Jordan on basketball is superlative”
He identified a man of the same calibre as him because he believes he is a good boxer
You know what they say: you can identify something similar to you, be it your talent, interest, or greatness. Manny Pacquiao is not just a boxer. With a stellar record of 62-8-2 and 39 knockouts, the Filipino boxer is still eager to battle at the age of 46 and is even thinking about taking on Mario Barrios (29-2-1) for the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title. Therefore, it is easy for him to resonate with Jordan, who was not just a player but more. The truth is, this debate is heated and will never end. In the end, they are both great players in their own right and have impacted the NBA greatly.
