The G.O.A.T. debate just got a fresh spark, this time, from someone who helped build the legend of Michael Jordan himself.
At the Sports Business Journal 4SE conference in Manhattan on May 20, David Falk, the longtime agent behind Jordan’s iconic career (and the mastermind who helped birth the Air Jordan brand), shared his thoughts on the NBA’s never-ending question: Who’s the greatest of all time?
Unsurprisingly, Falk had no hesitation naming Michael Jordan as the clear No. 1. But it was his comments about LeBron James that set social media on fire.
“I really like LeBron, I really do,” Falk said. “But I think if Jordan could have hand-picked what teams he wanted to play on and which two more superstars… he would have retired with fifteen championship rings.”
Not Even Top 3?
When pressed to name his top players of all time, Falk doubled down:
- #1: Michael Jordan
- #2 (Tie): Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant
- LeBron James? “Probably” in the top 10, Falk admitted, barely.
That lukewarm ranking struck a chord across the NBA landscape, especially as Falk pointed out that LeBron has frequently used free agency to build super teams. From Miami’s Big Three to Cleveland’s star-studded return and the current Lakers era with Anthony Davis.
“If Jordan had cherry-picked his teams like LeBron, he’d have 15 titles,” Falk repeated.
The Loyalty Argument
Falk’s comments subtly revive the loyalty debate that’s long separated the two all-time greats. Jordan spent the heart of his career with one franchise, the Chicago Bulls, winning six titles without ever choosing to team up with rivals. In contrast, LeBron’s legacy has been shaped by his bold moves to chase titles across multiple cities and rosters.
Fan Reactions: Divided, as Always
The internet quickly picked sides:
- Team MJ: “Jordan did it with Pippen and a bunch of role players. LeBron needed help every time.”
- Team LeBron: “Imagine acting like MJ wouldn’t have teamed up with stars if the rules allowed it back then.”
Still, Falk’s legacy and inside access to Jordan give his comments a certain weight, bias or not.
What It Means for the GOAT Race
Whether you agree or think it’s pure nostalgia talking, Falk’s take keeps the conversation alive, and that’s what the GOAT debate does best. As LeBron enters the twilight of his storied career and Jordan’s myth only grows with time, the contrast between their paths becomes more fascinating than ever.
