Throughout the last several years, LeBron James‘ name in the GOAT discussion has created much backlash. For many, Michael Jordan reigns supreme in that aspect as the clear-cut greatest NBA player. However, Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas has chimed in on why he believes James may hold that vaunted status.

LeBron James’ illustrious NBA career

LeBron James reached the pinnacle of success for the fourth time in his career last month after leading the Lakers to an NBA title.

James has added another impressive mark to his resume that has further built his argument in the GOAT conversation. The 35-year-old has numerous records to his name beyond his four NBA titles, four NBA Finals MVP awards, four regular-season MVP honors, 16 All-Star game selections, and 13 All-NBA First Team nods.

He is the first player to secure Finals MVP honors with three different franchises. James is also the only player in the top 5 of the all-time points list and inside the top 10 in all-time assists.

The latest championship accolades have pushed Isiah Thomas to make a definitive statement about the Lakers’ star legacy.

Isiah Thomas’ reasoning why he believes LeBron James is the GOAT

LeBron James has added another impressive feat to his resume by securing his fourth NBA title after guiding the Lakers to their 17th championship.

The conversation has continued to shift toward his legacy as he builds a stronger argument in the GOAT debate. With that in mind, Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas recently voiced in an appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast that he believes James could become the clear-cut NBA GOAT.

“We have never seen a player like this in the NBA. He (LeBron) breaks a record every single night just to remind you you’ve never seen anything like this before. When it’s all said and done, it’s going to be hard for people to look back and say ‘He (LeBron) wasn’t the best.’”

Many will quickly point to Isiah Thomas’ relationship with Michael Jordan, impacting his perspective in this discussion. The former Pistons’ great has noted that he doesn’t believe Jordan is the greatest NBA player on several occasions.

However, there hasn’t been another player like James in league history with his skill set, size, and basketball IQ. He has stayed atop as the NBA’s best player throughout arguably much of his career. The more he continues to stack on his resume with awards, statistics, and other accolades, it becomes increasingly difficult to deny where he stands in the GOAT conversation.

More left to add to the legacy

LeBron James has put together an impressive NBA career that has solidified his status among the all-time greats.

However, James’ legacy remains an open book as he heads into his 18th season. The 35-year-old is still playing at an elite level while the Lakers are in the position to vie for another NBA title.

LA will likely be quite active in the offseason in shaping the roster out to give James the best opportunity to secure his fifth championship. Star forward Anthony Davis is expected to ink a new deal with the team in free agency while several key role players could hit the open market.

Although James is under contract with the Lakers through the 2021-22 season, he could head into free agency next summer if he opts out of the final year. There isn’t any clarity around what he will do beyond his current deal, but he has the chance to add more a title or two more to his resume before he retires.