LeBron James Sounds Off on Michael Jordan NBA GOAT Debate, 'There's No Question'

LeBron James wouldn't take any other player in NBA history over himself, including Michael Jordan, but he also recognizes the impact His Airness had on the game of basketball.

Speaking to Sean Gregory of TIME, James explained that anyone who grew up during and after the Jordan era would recognize the Chicago Bulls legend as a more influential player but "there's no question" who he thinks is the greatest player in NBA history:

"I'm not taking nobody over me. There's no question. But I think Mike will say the same thing. Rest his soul, Kobe will say the same thing. Magic will say the same thing. Bird will say the same thing. Shaq could say the same thing. The late great Wilt. Kareem. I don't think none of us are going to take somebody else. If there's a general manager and he's eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it's gonna be hard not to take me, champ."

James did recognize the influence that Jordan has had over the course of more than 40 years as a recognizable name in the sports world:

"You ask somebody that grew up in the Jordan era, they're gonna say Jordan. You ask somebody who grew up in the LeBron era, they're still gonna say Jordan. Listen, to each his own. I can tell you this. I never step my feet in another man's shoes, saying, 'OK, well, s--t, I got to do better than him.' My journey is my journey. I do what I do. I know what I've brought to the table. From a basketball standpoint, an inspiring standpoint, an influential standpoint, I know I can walk in any room."

The answer from James about taking himself over anyone else in the NBA GOAT debate, while acknowledging the other legends who would take themselves, is perhaps the most healthy response anyone has ever given to the James vs. Jordan argument.

Jordan is going to win on championships because of his 6-0 record in the NBA Finals with six Finals MVP awards. The league named the regular-season MVP award after him, which also serves to enhance his case.

James beats Jordan on longevity and holding at least 40 league records, including being the all-time leading scorer in the regular season and playoffs, and most career All-NBA selections.

One of the reasons the debate has persisted as long as it has is because there is no right or wrong answer. If you had to go into a must-win situation with either prime Jordan or prime James, you will feel good that the outcome is going in your favor.

James' response seems to understand that, and he knows that Jordan would feel the same way.