ESPN’s Michael Wilbon is tired of the ‘garbage’ NBA GOAT debate: ‘To hell with you’

There are more than two horses in the NBA’s GOAT debate.

At least according to ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, who isn’t accepting that it’s a debate between Michael Jordan (whom he favors) and LeBron James.

“I’m not going to sit here and say that LeBron James has to be considered better than Magic Johnson. That’s garbage,” Wilbon said on Friday’s episode of “Get Up” on ESPN. “I’m not going to say LeBron James has to be considered better than Bill Russell. That’s garbage. I’m not going to say LeBron James has to be considered better than Kobe Bryant. That’s garbage.”

The conversation was sparked by comments from Jordan’s former agent David Falk, who said that either Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Bryant should be considered No. 2 to Jordan.

He took a shot at James for bouncing from superteam to superteam in the Big Three era, unlike Jordan leading the Bulls from the bottom to six NBA titles over his career.

Wilbon and Falk are neighbors and have a 45-year-long relationship.

So, is his opinion slanted?

“I’m not saying that (about James) in support of David Falk. I’m saying that as somebody who has watched basketball and lived with basketball my whole life,” Wilbon said. “I’ve got to say that LeBron James is better than Kobe Bryant? What? Put me in a grave first.”

James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and also ranks top-six in steals and assists.

He has won four NBA titles (two with the Heat, one with the Cavaliers and one with the Lakers) in 10 finals appearances.

“LeBron James is one of the greatest players of all time in all team sports.” Wilbon said. “I’m sorry if that’s not good enough. Turn the page, get over yourself. In other words, I’m going to proclaim and support and wave the LeBron James flag for his greatness.

“But if I say he’s less than No. 2, that’s not good enough for you? To hell with you.”