Basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving recently made an appearance on the Posted Up with Chris Haynes podcast to discuss which players he thinks could have played in any era.
While going through his list, perhaps it is surprising that he chose to leave out LeBron James. Many may argue that James is the best player ever to have played the game.
The former NBA champion reveals the “multi-generational players” who make his all time NBA team.
“My first team is Oscar Robertson, Jerry West… I got Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell and Elgin Baylor,” said Erving.
“That second team Magic [Johnson], Michael [Jordan], Larry [Bird], Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.”
For many, it’s shocking to see a player of the stature of Lebron James did not make it into this team. Erving, however, decided to explain his thought process. He said that while James has had a terrific career, he has been blessed with very strong teammates.
“He’s the guy who has led the charge in terms of super teams being put together.
“He put the team together in Miami, in Cleveland as well and in Los Angeles”
It seems like logical reasoning but Chris Haynes is not sold on the idea. “But, he [Lebron James] would argue that… these super teams always existed, if you look at all the championship teams, they always had 2 [or] 3 or even sometimes 4 All- Stars,” Haynes said.
Erving was quick to respond. “Players weren’t picking their own teams. Like when Kareem [Abdul Jabbar], you know got traded for 4 players from Milwaukee to Los Angeles,” he said.
Does Lebron James deserve to be on the list? Let us know in the comments down below!
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