As LeBron James progresses through the latter stages of his illustrious NBA career, the GOAT debate involving Michael Jordan sits prominently around him. James’ career remains an open book, but it hasn’t paused the discussion by any stretch. Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett has now added to the conversation with his honest take regarding the two all-time greats.

LeBron James-Michael Jordan GOAT debate remains prevalent

Throughout much of James’ career, his sustained success has firmly thrust him toward comparisons to Jordan.

The four-time league MVP has embraced the conversation while acknowledging the steep uphill climb that has entailed. In recent years, he’s backed away from the chatter to focus more entirely on getting the most out of his talent.

However, he will never entirely escape the discussion as his tremendous success only evokes the GOAT debate. It also hasn’t stopped his peers from fueling it, as Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett recently weighed in to provide his unfiltered perspective.

Kevin Garnett rattles off his unfiltered take regarding the Michael Jordan-LeBron James GOAT debate

The GOAT debate between James and Jordan remains a highly prevalent discussion.

The latter certainly possesses a firmer footing for that prestigious title, but it’s a discussion that holds varying points of view from many current and former players. Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett recently chimed in, voicing that he holds the former Bulls great up on a higher pedestal but garnered tremendous respect toward how James has handled his career.

“It’s a different level of respect,” Garnett voiced during an interview with Michael Pina of GQ. “Michael Jordan I looked at as f—-ing God. And I thought he was my version of what basketball looked like. And with LeBron, it was more like the little homie. Here’s the little homie growing up, and man, little homie is getting better than everybody! God damn!… I definitely talked some shit to him. I’ve definitely said some crazy sh– to him.

“He’s definitely said some crazy shit back to me. You’ve gotta have that in you to be able to have those shoulders to carry it. No man is perfect in this shit, and there ain’t no telltale book on how to do this shit. He’s done a great f—ing job. I just felt like it was only right to give him that respect.”

Jordan seemingly holds that vaunted mantel, but James has more than made the most of his talent. He entered the NBA as the most hyped high school player and surpassed massive expectations to earn recognition as one of the game’s greatest talents.

James has experienced his championship shortcomings, but that doesn’t diminish what he continues to accomplish on the court as he nears closer to two decades in the league.

LeBron James’ NBA legacy remains an open book

The GOAT discussion continues to rage on, but James holds an open book with his NBA career.

In his 19th season, he has the chance to continue to add to his legacy with more championship success. That remains at the crux of the discussion as Jordan still possesses the edge. James may never win over enough minds to top Jordan even if he ties or surpasses him in NBA titles. However, the remainder of his career is an unwritten chapter, and he’s still playing at an elite level.

The 36-year-old is within striking distance to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s all-time leading scorer. He can also break numerous other all-time marks. James may have an insurmountable uphill climb ahead, but it won’t stop his pursuit to compete for more championships before he finally steps into retirement.

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