Has LeBron James Moved Closer Since Charles Barkley Claimed Michael Jordan As The G.O.A.T?

Charles Barkley once said LeBron James would never catch Michael Jordan in G.O.A.T debate

The G.O.A.T discussion has entertained basketball fans ever since Michael Jordan hung up his basketball shoes. 

The conversation always brings out some great soundbites. In 2018, former NBA player and current TNT analyst Charles Barkley was on a panel after the Golden State Warriors claimed their third championship in four years over the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

LeBron James was swept after carrying his team to the NBA finals. He scored 23 points in the Game 4 loss that clinched the Warriors title.

After James' performance, Barkley declared declared his thoughts on the NBA’s greatest of all-time discussion.

“Any media person I see in person for the rest of my life, who tries to tell me LeBron James is as good as Michael Jordan, I’m just gonna slap the hell out of them right on the spot,” Barkley said. He followed that with “right on the damn spot. No question’s asked.”

Charles Barkley says he'll slap the hell out of anyone that says LeBron is as good as Michael Jordan. pic.twitter.com/rQ1agBeOm4

— BossHogg (@6Hogg6) January 20, 2024

At that point, James lost in the NBA finals six times compared to Jordan’s flawless 6-0 record in the Finals. Since, James picked up another ring with the Lakers and now holds the league’s scoring record.

Barkley had never played against James during his career, but he had faced off against Jordan. The forward matched up with the Bulls legend in the postseason three times, including the 1993 NBA finals. Barkley never won a playoff series against Jordan.

The debate will continue to evolve until LeBron James joins Michael Jordan in retirement. Until then, there are plenty of microphones ready to pick up what some of the game’s greats have to say on the GOAT conversation.