Anonymous, I respect your opinion, that's kind of what having a healthy basketball debate is all about. Nobody can ever truly critique how great Lebron is. He is beyond judgement, really. Undefinable is many ways. But... the most difficult task is to compare generations. That's why your being asked to assume, all other variables being equal, which takes a bit of thought and creativity. Just as its not really fair or valid to judge Lebron, its also not really fair or valid to dismiss any of the greats who came before. If all things are being equal, you must also expect their performance to transcend generations. With that criteria in mind, its in no way disrespectful to place any individual on the second greatest team in the history of basketball (by position), (in their PRIME). As for the debate regarding Lebron's athleticism and strength, their was once a player called Dominique Wilkins, who himself probably deserves a mention. Listen to what he has to say about Larry Bird. Athleticism and pure strength and power still counted for nothing against Larry Bird. The same thing would have happened against Lebron. As for using the canvas shoes and buses argument, I understand why you would consider that contradictory. But it highlights my point and your response was expected long before you even thought about it. Yes, these guys did, of course, go on to play against others in canvas shoes and travelled in buses. But the assumption is that ALL players are judged assuming equal variables, and that generational difference can be moved back into Baylor's era if you like. It works both ways. Please don't let your perception and subjectivity cloud what is an objective task. To highlight this a little further, Subjectively, Magic Johnson is my all-time favorite player, but he is on my second team. Can you imagine what it must feel like for me to admit, objectively, that Larry Bird has him beat, HANDS DOWN. Your not wrong, or right, and neither am I. Any person who respects Lebron and feels passionate about his legacy does understand basketball as you honestly do, but that's missing the point, and leads right back into the generational debate, which is not a fair criteria. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but your responses appear to be a little skewed by negative emotion, which leads me to suggest an underlying bias towards the opinions of others. I honestly hope this is not the case, and I also hope this doesn't further affect your ability to accept the sincerity of this response, rather than perceive this as a cynical attack. Thanks for your responses, and thanks for highlighting the point I was trying to make with this thread. I have enjoyed discussing this with a fellow basketball junkie.
