The ongoing discussion about the greatest NBA player of all time often centers on Michael Jordan and LeBron James. This debate spans generations, with older fans favoring Jordan and younger audiences leaning toward LeBron James. Yet, comedian Aries Spears recently introduced a different viewpoint by placing Kobe Bryant ahead of LeBron in the all-time rankings during a conversation on Byron Scott’s Fast Break podcast.
Aries Spears’ Take on the GOAT Debate
Spears openly identifies as a Jordan enthusiast and used his platform to challenge younger fans who criticize NBA legends. He expressed frustration over the disrespect some fans show toward players like Jordan and Kobe, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their legacy. Spears stated,
“Part of what bothers me, and I don’t know why, but it’s become cool now for this young generation to diss our legends,”
illustrating his concern about modern attitudes toward past greats.
He expanded on this point by addressing common criticisms of Jordan’s era, pushing back against claims that the competition was weak or that Jordan lacked certain skills, saying,
“Whether you like Michael, who I think is the GOAT, or whether you like LeBron, who I think is the third-best ever, at the end of the day, some of the s*** that people are saying is beyond disrespectful, because it borders idiocy. ‘Jordan couldn’t go left?!’ ‘We done with the ’90s?’ ‘He played with plumbers and truck drivers and the competition was garbage?’ This is what we’re doing right now?”
Comparing Eras: The Impact of Load Management and Celebrations
Spears highlighted that players from Jordan and Kobe’s era did not benefit from modern load management strategies, a factor that affects today’s athletes, including LeBron. He pointed out that Jordan completed all 82 regular-season games nine times, Kobe four times, and LeBron only once, underscoring the endurance of the older generation.
In a lighter, yet pointed observation, Spears contrasted how championship celebrations have changed. He remarked,
“When they celebrated, they didn’t use goggles,”
and added humorously,
“They took champagne s**** to the face. They took the burn. They took the burn! These sensitive m************ now, you need goggles? Come on, man.”
This comment introduced a novel angle to the overall discussion by suggesting that old-school toughness also factors into greatness.
The Championship Rings Debate
Championship rings remain a crucial element in the GOAT conversation. Michael Jordan holds six titles, Kobe Bryant five, and LeBron James four. Some critics diminish the value of LeBron’s 2020 NBA title earned under the unique conditions of the pandemic bubble, but Spears brought an unusual criterion into focus: how these rings were celebrated rather than just counted. His comments imply a deeper appreciation for the era’s grit demonstrated during championship moments.
Spears’ Ultimate All-Time Starting Five
When Byron Scott probed whether Spears would bench Kobe or LeBron given his rankings, Spears instead crafted a full all-time starting lineup. He shared,
“I got Magic at the point, I got Jordan at the 2, I got Shaq at center, I got Bird at small forward and I got Tim Duncan at power forward,”
suggesting that Kobe Bryant would serve as the sixth man on this elite roster.
Scott, a Lakers legend himself, acknowledged the strength of Spears’ selections, especially since three Lakers—Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal—were included among the top six players. Between this group, they collectively hold 28 championship rings and have celebrated those triumphs with the kind of toughness Spears praised, never once wearing goggles during their victory celebrations.
The Ongoing Significance of This Debate
Aries Spears’ perspective adds fuel to the enduring LeBron James Third Best Debate by challenging modern narratives and insisting on respect for legendary players and their eras. By revisiting how athletes approached games, handled physical strain, and celebrated success, Spears prompts fans to consider a broader set of criteria beyond statistics and current trends. As conversation continues, this viewpoint may inspire NBA fans to reexamine how greatness is defined and remembered across generations.