Image via AFP//

In a sport filled with legends, LeBron James recently claimed to be the “GOAT,” and with good reason. 

The  LA Lakers basketballer, who recently competed in this year’s All-Star Weekend, was recognised as part of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, an achievement which was not outdone by his fresh crowning as ESPN’s top-tier player, second only to Michael Jordan.

Speaking of his career, which also includes a four-time NBA Champion nod, regular-season MVPs and 18 consecutive appearances as an All-Star starter, LeBron sat down with commentator Kenny Smith to reveal the 2016 moment when he first realised his GOAT-level status. 

“At that moment I was like I’m the greatest basketball player people have ever seen. … Doing something that’s never been done in the history of the sport.” 🐐 @KingJames sits down with @TheJetonTNT to discuss what makes a GOAT pic.twitter.com/KcbU4HfPuU

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 21, 2022

During the NBA Championship of that year, LeBron recalls leading his then-Cleveland team back from a 3-1 down to ultimately win the title, a victory which he says cemented his place as “the greatest basketball player people have ever seen.”

“I can play 1 to 5, I can guard 1 to 5, just literally doing something that’s never been done in the history of the sport…There was nobody ever coming out of there and nobody gave us a chance. I just felt like ain’t nobody better than me at this,” he said. 

The news comes after LeBron’s recent announcement that he intends to play his final NBA season alongside his 17-year-old son, Bronny, who won’t be eligible for the draft until 2024. But with a long list of accolades to his name, LeBron GOAT James might just make it there and then some. 

Image via Getty Images//