LeBron James Considers Himself The GOAT After 2016 Chip Win, NBA Twitter Debates

Source: Apega/WENN.com / WENN

LeBron James is still very much an active player in the NBA and is currently doing his best to corral a young Los Angeles Lakers team to greatness. In a recent chat, the future Hall of Fame star declared himself the greatest to ever play the game as a result of his championship win with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

During a recent airing of his docu-series More Than An Athlete on ESPN+, James harkened back to his Cleveland days where his team then faced off against the talent-stacked Golden State Warriors. The Cavaliers, with James leading the charge, became the first team to come from behind after being 3-0 to win it all in epic fashion. For that feat, James, who is normally humble about such matters, allowed himself a moment to gloat and bask in his basketball glory.

It’s tough to argue considering James’ numbers and the fact that in his 16th year in the NBA, he’s still very much a threat on the court.

As one can imagine, NBA and basketball Twitter had their own thoughts about James’ assertion, and we’ve collected the bulk of those responses below.

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Photo: WENN

1.

If LeBron the GOAT for beating 73-9, why isn’t he good enough to beat 67-15 and 58-24?
— Justin Bryan (@Justin_G_Bryan) December 31, 2018

2.

Can’t lose to an old washed Mavs team in the Finals, get out scored in the series by Jason Terry who came off the bench and be the GOAT. LeBron had a game in the series where he only had 8 points. MJ would have never
— Markus H (@MarkHarnes) December 31, 2018

3.

“Lebron saying he’s the goat is the exact reason why he isn’t the goat..” pic.twitter.com/CPjVqcrVV3
— Joe is 6’4 (@2014fordflex) December 31, 2018

4.

Lebron claiming he’s the GOAT for winning his 3rd title (even tho Kyrie had to hit the series winning shot for him) is so Lebron it hurts. How anyone can try to say LBJ is the goat is just sad.
— Chad Larkin (@Chad_Larkin24) December 31, 2018

5.

LeBron called himself the GOAT and then wore these shoes on the same day. 🐐💀 pic.twitter.com/p66V5SxbFU
— TheCoolestGuyInSports™ (@AKISNBA) December 31, 2018

6.

Numbers don't lie! All analytics prove Lebron James is #GOAT! pic.twitter.com/wIGvPlo4No
— Himel-Atlanta (@Himel16709543) December 31, 2018

7.

Thank u at least someone said it..1 win don't make u the goat body of work matters you see how insecure this comes off by LeBron. He probably knows he's not winning no more rings so he says shit like this https://t.co/oWyhJU2nM7
— Onlygogeta (@onlygogeta) December 31, 2018

8.

I'm glad LeBron finally outright called himself the GOAT, I don't necessarily agree with it but he def should be bringing it up
— zaindeez (@ZainDeez) December 31, 2018

9.

He said it Lebron knows he’s the goat like everyone else should already know 🐐🐐🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/O3dmYJUXiZ
— Evan (@evanthetannk) December 31, 2018

10.

Why do the supporters of Jordan as GOAT of all time have to go after the stupidest things about Lebron? Raps, wine what suit shorts he wears and how much they cost?!? GTFO
— Paul Soucy (@Wptseuss) December 31, 2018

11.

Guy is HURT, not playing BUT will do everything to make it about himself,somehow,someway!
And don’t so he didn’t know this would be discussed.
Lets the Young Lakers Shine Homey! pic.twitter.com/laJaKJSkQJ
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) December 31, 2018

12.

Stop saying Lebron is the GOAT. It’s disrespect to the man who paved the way for Lebron to pick up a basketball. & I know some of you didn’t even get to watch Jordan play on the wizards for fucks sake, but to say Lebron did it better than Jordan is a flat out fucking lie. Stop it
— A.T. (@ATfromCLE) December 31, 2018

13.

LeBron is NOT the goat. There's too much history of him shrinking in big moments. The Mavericks should NOT have won. He choked in the closing minutes before Ray Allen saved him. And it was Kyrie who made the biggest shot against the 73 win NOT the greatest Warriors.
— J. A. Espinal (@JAE_Rhody2VA) December 31, 2018

14.

@FirstTake Jordan will always be the GOAT. LeBron has shown over and over he's a better Man. But basketball is Jordan
— Michael Lopez (@ManthonyL) December 31, 2018

15.

If y’all can find another player who took a team from being a lottery pick team to a finals contender in one season and will the team to come back down 3-1 then I’ll say lebron not the goat but until y’all can keep y’all opinions to y’all self
— oLaJuWoN HaKeEm FaN PaGe (@brokehomi3) December 31, 2018

16.

Dude has really lost his mind!The GOAT formula is; once you show up, it’s a championship win!” When he doesn’t win, others are blamed. Never will he be like Mike, never can he be the GOAT. This is just like “the decision,” it’s all wrong! #DelusionalLeBron https://t.co/1n4HiVW5eX
— DubNation4Life (@GSDubNation73) December 31, 2018

17.

🙆🏽‍♂️🙆🏽‍♂️🙆🏽‍♂️ this shit makes me laugh. I can go on and on on how he’s NOT the GOAT. Plus MJ and Kobe has never said they are the GOAT because it’s always a never ending discussion. And really nobody agrees with lebron that he’s the GOAT.
— Steve Delgado (@RealStevieeD) December 31, 2018