No we cannot, but for different reasons than what you’re thinking or would be thinking if you are in fact thinking.
These talking points will always be the case when a special player, in this case Lebron, is playing at such a higher level than the rest of the league. For otherwise we would be debating rather who may be the best in the NBA presently, but there is nothing to debate about who that person may be. Hence the GOAT talks.
These Jordan comparisons are beginning to show cyclical trails. The comparisons never truly stuck until Cleveland’s title in 2016, which seems to be more of a fluke each passing day but that’s besides the point. The point is that as recent as last season we were discussing if Durant has surpassed Lebron for the best player in the league status. And now what? Lebron has an incredible postseason showing and here come the GOAT talks again since the Durant ones are no longer worth any air time on all of these talk shows.
It’s really as simple as that. As for who is the GOAT? No one is deemed with the power to rule the final verdict so do yourself a favor and put in the work to decide that one on your own. The internet practically has every playoff game ever played since the 50’s if you dig hard enough. If you don’t have the time and want to take someone’s word for it, then go with Jordan.
GOAT talks in favor of Jordan don’t need to plead their case. The evidence is overwhelmingly clear to everyone who doesn’t get too carried away in the present. However, let’s touch on one point here...
Let’s not even get into the different styles of play and how defense allows no contact today and all that stuff, which are certainly very compelling points, but lets go in a different direction. It is very important to note that Michael Jordan was the talent he was because of his mindset, not his physical gift.
He didn’t make his varsity’s high school team as a sophomore because he wasn’t good enough at that time, not because the coaches were idiots. Lebron however was made this way. He is a competitor no doubt, but why don’t we ever hear of these classic Lebron killer instict stories? It’s because he’s no Jordan, or even Kobe in some regard. Lebron has proven to be a gift from the basketball Gods, but Jordan was the God himself.