LeBron James says he would select himself first in GOAT debate

LeBron James said he would not place any other player above himself when asked about the basketball greatest-of-all-time debate. "I'm not taking nobody over me," James told Time. " James noted that other all-time greats, including Michael Jordan, would likely make the same claim about themselves.

"But I think Mike will say the same thing," James said. "Rest his soul, Kobe will say the same thing. "

influence James added that a general manager selecting from all candidates would likely choose him with the top pick.

"If there's a general manager and he's eyeballing all of us on a baseline, with the No. 1 pick, it's gonna be hard not to take me, champ," he said. When asked about influence compared with Jordan, James said people who grew up during either era would still name Jordan.

"My journey is my journey," James said. "I know what I've brought to the table. "

He said his decision on whether to play a 24th season depends on his continued enjoyment of preparation routines. "When I'm not in love with getting to the arenas on game days five hours before to start my preparation, if I'm out of love with getting to practice 2½ hours beforehand, then I know I'll be done," James said.

James is the league's all-time leading scorer and has played in more games, won more games, and taken more shots than any other player in NBA history.