Players rank LeBron James and Michael Jordan in the NBA goat debate

Professional basketball players continue to debate the greatest of all time in the NBA, with Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James often cited alongside Michael Jordan. Polling data collected by HoopsHype over the past four years shows James receiving 43.8% of the support from active and retired players. Michael Jordan follows closely with 41.1% of the votes, while the late Kobe Bryant accounts for 4.5%. Research indicates that player preference frequently correlates with the era in which they grew up or played. As LeBron James prepares for his 24th season, he holds numerous career accolades including four championships, four MVP awards, and the NBA all-time scoring record. Michael Jordan maintains a similarly decorated resume that includes six championships and ten scoring titles. Both players remain focal points in league history, with no definitive consensus among their peers.

• 8:48 PMYahoo Sports — Where do players rank Sixers' LeBron James in the GOAT conversation?