LeBron James ranks as the greatest in basketball history: "Without a doubt"

LeBron James said he considers himself the greatest player in NBA history. In an interview with Time Magazine, the Los Angeles Lakers star responded to the traditional discussion about basketball's "GOAT" (Greatest of all Time) and put his own name at the top.

"I wouldn't choose anyone above myself. Without a doubt," said LeBron in a profile published this Monday (9).

Despite his confidence, the player recognized the weight of other greats in the league's history, such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Shaquille O'Neal.

"But I think Mike would say the same thing. Kobe would say the same thing. Magic would say the same thing. Bird would say the same thing. Shaq could say the same thing. Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. I don't think any of us would pick anyone else," he said.

LeBron even compared the situation to a draft pick made by a general manager.

"If there was a general manager looking at all of us on the sidelines, with the first pick, it would be hard not to pick me," he said.

At 41 years old, LeBron has finished his historic 23rd season in the NBA and is now approaching a new decision about his future, as he will enter the market as an unrestricted free agent.

When asked about retirement, the highest scorer in the league's history said that the decision will depend on his own motivation.

"It depends on the mind. Where the mind goes, the body follows. When I'm no longer passionate about arriving at the gym on game days five hours early to prepare, when I'm no longer passionate about arriving at training two and a half hours early, then I'll know it's over," he said.

Last season, LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. The four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP also holds the league record for games played (1,622) and points scored (43,440).

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Source: CNN