Who's the 3rd GOAT behind Jordan and LeBron?

[Possum Jenkins]

His only decent 3 point years were when they moved the line in.

He shot 37.6% in 89-90 when he had an unusual high number of attempts at 3.0. In 92-93 he went 35.2% on 2.9 attempts. As his attempts went up, so did his %

It's impossible to know for sure of course, but someone that had an excellent mid-range jumper and simply chose not to take many 3s is very likely to also be a good 3-point shooter if he just worked on it.

 

[kflo]

Ok look, I will perhaps concede that LeRoid edges Magic but its very close and there is a case to be made Magic is 2nd best all time. If Magic was your idol growing up then you need to try to remember the truth about homeboys game.

Only player in NBA history to win the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award in his rookie season.

Now I'm sorry bro but you don't get Finals MVP based on one game 6 performance. Magic stepped in and was god level as a rookie. As far as defense, Lebron may edge Magic but Magic wasn't exactly terrible.

2× NBA steals leader (1981, 1982)
2x NBA Playoffs steals leader (1980, 1982)
2x NBA Playoffs total steals leader (1980, 1983)
Led the 1991 NBA Playoffs in total minutes played, three points made, free throws made, defensive rebounds and assists

Magic was a better passer than pretty much anyone in history. Lebron is more monstrous on defense, but Magic facilitated the offense better than anyone ever. (*John Stockton being his only real challenger in that dept.)

One of two players in NBA history to set 20+ assists in at least 30 games: achieved it 32 times
Includes John Stockton, who achieved it 38 times

4× NBA assists leader (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987)
5x NBA Playoffs assists leader (1980, 1984–87)
9x NBA Playoffs total assists leader (1980, 1983–89, 1991)
8x NBA Finals assists leader (1980, 1983–85, 1987–89, 1991)
Holds the all-time record for highest career assists-per-game average—11.2
Holds the all-time record for most assists in Playoffs—2,346
Johnson is also the only player in NBA history to have at least 2000 assist in a playoff career
Holds the all-time record for highest assists-per-game average in Playoffs—12.4
Holds the all-time record for most triple-doubles in Playoffs—30

Besides all that, he also equaled Lebron is some other ridiculous feats such as...

One of six players in NBA history to record a triple-double in an NBA Finals clinching game: (1982 and 1985).
Includes Larry Bird (1986), James Worthy (1988), Tim Duncan (2003), LeBron James (2012 and 2016), and Draymond Green (2015)

One of three players in NBA history to record a triple-double in their playoff debut.
Includes Johnny McCarthy and LeBron James

Magic also went 5-4 in the Finals which looks like its going to be better than Lebron's upcoming 3-6.

That's only some of his accolades. I'm going to put this is red text in case this was tl/dr. I may concede that Lebron edges Magic but don't act like its not close and you can't put Magic anywhere near Lebron. Magic Johnson was a gdamn savage.

That’s all true but Lebron is still closer to Jordan than magic is to Lebron. There’s simply no argument for magic being better than Lebron. As savage as magic was a a rookie bird was regarded as the better player until 87. And then Jordan was arguably the best in the league when magic was winning his mvps.

 

[illclint]

Honestly, it's debatable whether Lebron is even the best small-forward. I'd rate Jordan and Kareem above Lebron. It's hard for me to rate Bill Russell, so I'll leave him out of it. Honestly, I'd probably take Shaq and Hakeem and Duncan over Lebron. Magic and Bird would be debatable.

 

[gspieler]

That’s all true but Lebron is still closer to Jordan than magic is to Lebron. There’s simply no argument for magic being better than Lebron. As savage as magic was a a rookie bird was regarded as the better player until 87. And then Jordan was arguably the best in the league when magic was winning his mvps.

Magic has more rings playing in a more competitive era, was a better leader, was better at making his teammates better, was a better passer, more versatile, was more clutch, etc. There's obviously an argument he was better IMO.

 

[kflo]

Magic has more rings playing in a more competitive era, was a better leader, was better at making his teammates better, was a better passer, more versatile, was more clutch, etc. There's obviously an argument he was better IMO.

You obviously weren’t around for that era. Magic played in the weak conference on the stacked team. Lol at more versatile and clutch and better leader. You are just making stuff up. Again anyone around for both knows Lebron is simply on a slightly different level and that’s no knock on magic. Magic was awesome but he can’t do the things Lebron does on the court.

 

[gspieler]

You obviously weren’t around for that era. Magic played in the weak conference on the stacked team. Lol at more versatile and clutch and better leader. You are just making stuff up. Again anyone around for both knows Lebron is simply on a slightly different level and that’s no knock on magic. Magic was awesome but he can’t do the things Lebron does on the court.

Ok.

 

[CodeBreaker]

The tip 10 argument is stupid other than acknowledging MJ is the goat. So many factors to consider like era, injuries in the finals, etc. Kobe never lost in the finals except when everyone was injured in 04 and 08 Bynum and ariza. Dude was a finals monster

"Finals monster"

Lol. Gasol saved his ass in Game 7 when he was bricking his team into an L

 

[TheComebackKid]

That’s all true but Lebron is still closer to Jordan than magic is to Lebron. There’s simply no argument for magic being better than Lebron. As savage as magic was a a rookie bird was regarded as the better player until 87. And then Jordan was arguably the best in the league when magic was winning his mvps.

Well it depends on what you are placing value on. Lebron is obviously the better athlete, better scorer, and better one on one defender. But Magic is the better passer/facilitator by about 6-8apg, slightly better rebounder, better team defender, and much better leader. As far as individual accolades and accomplishments that is pretty comparable with the edge to Magic.

Everyone is praising Lebron for making it to his 9th final in 15yrs. But Magic made 9 finals appearances in 12 years....and won 5 of them. They both played on super teams, played in weak conferences, but consistently faced strong finals opponents. However, Magic knew how to get the most out of his team and thus win titles.

If you give Lebron the edge over Magic due to individual dominance then Wilt should be the GOAT.

 

[TheComebackKid]

"Finals monster"

Lol. Gasol saved his ass in Game 7 when he was bricking his team into an L

Both teams bricked all night long in that game. Everyone was dragging ass on both teams. That game was all about heart and attrition. What you saw were about 4 players(Kobe, Allen, KG, Pierce) all running on E but fighting for their legacies every play, tooth and nail.

Gasol played very well. Kobe shot horribly but outworked everyone on both ends and hit shots when they counted. That is how he ended up leading all scorers as well as pulling down 16rbs in game 7.

Also he avg 28/8/4 for the whole series.

 

[CodeBreaker]

Both teams bricked all night long in that game. Everyone was dragging ass on both teams. That game was all about heart and attrition. What you saw were about 4 players(Kobe, Allen, KG, Pierce) all running on E but fighting for their legacies every play, tooth and nail.

Gasol played very well. Kobe shot horribly but outworked everyone on both ends and hit shots when they counted. That is how he ended up leading all scorers as well as pulling down 16rbs in game 7.

Also he avg 28/8/4 for the whole series.

Not efficient enough to be called Finals Monster

 

[TheComebackKid]

Not efficient enough to be called Finals Monster

I'd say going 5-2 is pretty efficient

 

[kflo]

Well it depends on what you are placing value on. Lebron is obviously the better athlete, better scorer, and better one on one defender. But Magic is the better passer/facilitator by about 6-8apg, slightly better rebounder, better team defender, and much better leader. As far as individual accolades and accomplishments that is pretty comparable with the edge to Magic.

Everyone is praising Lebron for making it to his 9th final in 15yrs. But Magic made 9 finals appearances in 12 years....and won 5 of them. They both played on super teams, played in weak conferences, but consistently faced strong finals opponents. However, Magic knew how to get the most out of his team and thus win titles.

If you give Lebron the edge over Magic due to individual dominance then Wilt should be the GOAT.

lol at 6-8 assists a game better. they have the exact same rebound %, it's laughable to call magic a better team defender, and this notion that they have tangibly and measurably different impacts as a leader is also absurd. lol at individual accolades and accomplishments to magic.

and saying they both played on super teams is also disingenuous as magic didso his entire career (well at least until kareem became average). often when magic's teams lost in the playoffs they were the better team.

 

[SportsBarGod]

Magic crushes Lechoke

 

[TheComebackKid]

lol at 6-8 assists a game better.

My bad, 5-7apg. Magic would average 12-13apg with Lebron avg 6-8apg

they have the exact same rebound %,

Magic avg 1-2rpgs more per game at his best

it's laughable to call magic a better team defender,

Led the league in steals multiple times

and this notion that they have tangibly and measurably different impacts as a leader is also absurd.

Magic is the only guy I've ever seen that can join a team full of vets and champions and lead them to a title. He also, as a rookie, changed the entire culture and identity of the team and franchise. Who has Lebron led?

Lebron doesn't lead, he carries. And it's not always because he has to...it's because its the only way he knows how to play.

lol at individual accolades and accomplishments to magic.

You're right, it's close with the edge to Lebron

and saying they both played on super teams is also disingenuous as magic didso his entire career (well at least until kareem became average). often when magic's teams lost in the playoffs they were the better team.

Well Kareem was only in dominant, God-like form for a few years during the early 80s. And then he dropped to all star level for a few years. So Magic's teams weren't always quite super either. And even in 1991 after losing most of the showtime cast he still led his team to the finals.

 

[PUO3]

“Doesnt lead. He carries.”

Jesus lol. You cans just look for bullshit to try and discredit LeBron with.

 

[gspieler]

Magic vs Lebron is almost an apples/oranges comparison. Magic is the consensus greatest PG of all time. His role was to run offense, distribute the ball, hit shots when needed, secure rebounds, and be an overall court general. Lebron is probably the best SF of all time. The offense still runs through him, but his primary function is that of a scorer.

There is obviously a lot of overlap, but it's not a 1:1 comparison. Lebron/Bird is a more valid comparison IMO.

 

[syct23]

You soggy bastards still bitching in here..

LaSeason is done, get over it..

The King is dead, Long live the King.

 

[BoxingFan653]

"Finals monster"

Lol. Gasol saved his ass in Game 7 when he was bricking his team into an L

Happens to everyone. Lebrons ass got bailed out by Ray Allen after bricking 3s

 

[kflo]

My bad, 5-7apg. Magic would average 12-13apg with Lebron avg 6-8apg

11 avg vs 7 avg. even peak is 13 vs 9. stop making things up.

Magic avg 1-2rpgs more per game at his best

i reb % is even which is more relevant. there's no argument to say magic was a better rebounder.

Led the league in steals multiple times

and was nowhere near as good an individual or team defender and it's frankly absurd to argue he was. defensively they covered for him.

Magic is the only guy I've ever seen that can join a team full of vets and champions and lead them to a title. He also, as a rookie, changed the entire culture and identity of the team and franchise. Who has Lebron led?

Lebron doesn't lead, he carries. And it's not always because he has to...it's because its the only way he knows how to play.

lol. this is hilarious. so magic is the only guy who can join a championship caliber team and help them win a title? lol. lebron entirely changed the cavs franchise twice.

how are you differentiating leading vs carrying? every cav calls him a leader and uses true leadership words to describe him.

You're right, it's close with the edge to Lebron



Well Kareem was only in dominant, God-like form for a few years during the early 80s. And then he dropped to all star level for a few years. So Magic's teams weren't always quite super either. And even in 1991 after losing most of the showtime cast he still led his team to the finals.

magic's teams were loaded every year and the most talented overall teams in the league through '88, which incidentally was when they last won. kareem was finals mvp in '85 and first team all-nba in '86.

 

[kflo]

Magic vs Lebron is almost an apples/oranges comparison. Magic is the consensus greatest PG of all time. His role was to run offense, distribute the ball, hit shots when needed, secure rebounds, and be an overall court general. Lebron is probably the best SF of all time. The offense still runs through him, but his primary function is that of a scorer.

There is obviously a lot of overlap, but it's not a 1:1 comparison. Lebron/Bird is a more valid comparison IMO.

lebron's role as a scorer is in part because of his ability to score. magic didn't have that ability. if he did, he would have played that role more. lebron plays the magic role and the bird role and the jordan role.