Bill Laimbeer 'Firmly' Believes LeBron James, Not Michael Jordan, Is NBA's GOAT

Before Michael Jordan could even win his first title, he had to get through the Detroit Pistons, which meant finding a way to defeat big man Bill Laimbeer. 

After so many battles against Jordan, the Pistons legend has made a simple conclusion: LeBron James is better. 

"I think LeBron is the best player that's ever played the game," Laimbeer said on ESPN's First Take on Thursday. "He's 6'8", 285 pounds, runs like the wind and jumps out of the gym." 

While known as a bully and trash-talker on the court—and one who could back it up exceptionally well at that—Laimbeer doesn't seem to be trying to restart old feuds here. His explanation for choosing James over Jordan is reasoned, even if it isn't the most agreeable. 

"From day one, he knew how to involve his teammates to win," Laimbeer said. "That's something Jordan had to learn for a long time. Now, if you go by championships, obviously Michael Jordan has more championships. But I think LeBron in any generation would be doing what he's doing right now."

It's worth noting, too, most of Laimbeer's current day job includes scouting and coaching.

As the head coach and general manager of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, Laimbeer took a team that went 14-20 and missed the playoffs in 2018 to 21-13 a year later. The Aces lost to the eventual champions, the Washington Mystics, in the conference finals.

There are surefire differences between the NBA and WNBA, but being able to evaluate talent is one of the true unifiers of decision-makers in both leagues. 

It's impossible to deny Jordan's greatness, but there can be rational arguments about whether he or James is the better player. 

That argument, it seems, is destined to go unresolved forever.