Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James officially passed Michael Jordan (5,987 points) for the top spot on the all-time playoff scoring list. He accomplished the historic feat on his way to dropping 35 points in the Cavs’ series-clinching 135-102 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday at TD Garden.
LeBron’s latest milestone isn’t going to be taken lightly.
The Kid from Akron, Ohio has spoken several times about his intention to surpass arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. In the finals, he has a chance to further back up his case as the heir apparent to his Airness, especially if he can beat the greatest team ever assembled in modern NBA. Yes, the 2016/17 Golden State Warriors are the favorites to win it all, but LeBron can change the narrative of the finals from greatest team to greatest player ever with another monstrous performance at this level.
Not yet the king of kings
To no one’s surprise, one person who isn’t yet ready to crown James as the greatest of all time, regardless of the results of this NBA Finals is Charles Barkley.
The Hall Of Famer and analyst lauded James for all his accomplishments – including surpassing his rival and friend Michael Jordan on the all-time playoff scoring list. However, Chuck also did not shy away from lambasting the media and other people who are already hyping up LeBron as the greatest ever.
“LeBron is amazing, but please stop it,” Barkley said of the James G.O.A.T hype. “I know you guys have to fill up TV time and radio time on these other foolish networks. LeBron is amazing, amazing, and I said if he’s able to win this championship, I would put him on the same level as Kobe Bryant.”
When asked by Kenny Smith what is the pecking order on his list of all-time greats, Barkley said LeBron is currently at number seven behind Kobe Bryant.
“Michael is the greatest in my opinion, Oscar Robertson, Kareem, Wilt and Bill Russell. Kobe is sixth, LeBron seventh, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor.”
James sets sight on greater glory
LeBron himself also knows that there’s still a lot to be accomplished in order for him to surpass his childhood hoops hero, Michael Jordan. “"I wear the number [Jordan’s famous no.23 jersey] because of Mike. I think I fell in love with the game because of Mike, just because of what he was able to accomplish. When you're watching Michael Jordan it's almost like a god. So I didn't think I could be Mike."
On Thursday, he will begin his mission of leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a back-to-back championship. Another successful venture in the NBA finals would only mean the fourth NBA championship ring for LeBron. Most of all, it will also serve as another valid reason why people should start calling him the greatest of all time.