In 2019, The Athletic introduced an anonymous poll where NBA players could vote on various basketball topics. One of the most debated topics in the sport is who deserves the title of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). This year’s poll surveyed 133 NBA players, and the results show that Michael Jordan remains the top choice for 45.9% of players. LeBron James, however, is inching closer, receiving 42.1% of the votes. Last year, Jordan held a significant lead with 58.3% of the votes, while James had only 33%.
The poll also revealed that Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson, and Paul Pierce each received a small percentage of the votes.
While Michael Jordan continues to hold the title of GOAT, LeBron James’ steady performance and impressive longevity have narrowed the gap. The debate over who is the greatest basketball player of all time will likely continue for years to come, but James’ recent achievements have certainly strengthened his case.