The NBA’s greatest-of-all-time debate has taken center stage yet again, but this time, it’s not just fans or analysts weighing in—it’s the players themselves, and a few legends at that. On September 5, 2025, four-time NBA champion Horace Grant appeared on Stacey King’s Gimme the Hot Sauce podcast, bringing his unique perspective to the ever-contentious GOAT conversation. And while Grant’s résumé includes championship rings with both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, his take was anything but predictable.
“What’s the ingredient of the GOAT?” Grant mused, refusing to rush to judgment between the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James. “Is it rings? Is it being the best rebounder? Is it being the best at assists or block shots? What is the GOAT? Never losing in a Final? MVPs? I want to know what the ingredients are, because if it’s rings, then it’s Bill Russell.” Grant’s thoughtful approach set the tone for a conversation that was as much about basketball philosophy as it was about statistics.
King, never shy to share his own list, ranked Jordan at the top, followed by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Grant, who played alongside both Jordan and Bryant during his 17-year NBA career, agreed with that order. “If you have to pin me down to pick my GOAT, it would be MJ,” Grant stated. “And all respect to LeBron and Kobe, and many other players you can argue for. But for me, it’s Jordan.” According to Grant, greatness isn’t a one-size-fits-all label, and the debate will likely rage on for generations.
Grant’s own career is a testament to the value of adaptability and consistency. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1987, he quickly established himself as a reliable starting power forward and a defensive anchor, praised for his rebounding and presence in the paint. His peak came during Chicago’s first three-peat from 1991 to 1993, where his defense and willingness to do the dirty work made him an indispensable part of the dynasty. While Jordan and Pippen commanded the spotlight, Grant quietly cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most underrated stars. After his tenure in Chicago, Grant joined the Orlando Magic, teaming up with Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway to reach the 1995 NBA Finals. Though the Magic fell short, Grant’s leadership and veteran presence proved invaluable. He later added a fourth championship ring with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001, playing alongside Bryant and O’Neal.
If Grant’s comments reignited the GOAT debate, Carmelo Anthony’s recent media tour added a fresh twist to the ongoing saga of LeBron James’s career. Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Anthony—now the newest inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame—addressed his longtime friend and former teammate’s future in the league. “That’s my brother,” Anthony said, reflecting on their bond that stretches back to their teenage years. “We talk about being around, being together, being tied, being connected, being talked about since we were 17, 18 years old. And for me to be entering the Hall of Fame, and for him, hopefully get his [expletive] up out of there and come on over [to] this side. [laughs] Enough is enough. Give it a break.”
LeBron, for his part, has picked up his $52.6 million player option with the Lakers for the 2025-2026 season, but as of now, he’s not under contract beyond 2026. The speculation about his retirement has only intensified, with Anthony’s playful nudge adding fuel to the fire. The two shared the court during the 2021-22 season in Los Angeles, capping off Anthony’s own Hall of Fame career. “He’s still going, man, it’s unbelievable,” Anthony said of James, marveling at the longevity and sustained excellence that have defined LeBron’s run.
Anthony’s reflections weren’t limited to his relationship with James. The 10th-highest-scoring player in NBA history, Anthony will be inducted into the Hall in early September alongside other notables like Dwight Howard, Billy Donovan, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles. “This is a dream, actually, that comes true in this moment,” Anthony said on Colbert’s show. “The timing of it all, it feels very divine for myself and the energy that surrounds me. But to answer your question, no, I never thought I would be in the Hall of Fame.” With 28,289 points and a reputation as one of the most successful international basketball players, Anthony’s résumé speaks for itself. Former Lakers champion Paul Gasol praised Anthony’s leadership and ambition, particularly his willingness to lead teams in Denver and New York through challenging times.
But the NBA’s present isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about the new guard and the evolving partnerships that will shape the league’s future. Enter Luka Doncic, whose playmaking wizardry has drawn comparisons to LeBron James since his rookie year. As recounted in a recent Yahoo Sports article, Dwyane Wade was one of the first to recognize Doncic’s brilliance. “Quote me right where I say this—it’s LeBron James-like from the standpoint of how he’s able to rope that pass to shooters in corners, getting blitzed. There’s not many guys who can do that and put it right there. He does an amazing job of it,” Wade said in 2019.
Doncic, who idolized James growing up, has never shied away from acknowledging his influences, though he once noted he was more like Ben Simmons in terms of positional versatility. Still, as Wade pointed out, Doncic’s shooting and overall impact have already etched his name into the NBA history books. Now, with Doncic and James sharing the court as Los Angeles Lakers teammates for the 2025-2026 season, the league is abuzz with questions. Can two ball-dominant, all-time great passers truly thrive together, especially in a Western Conference that’s more stacked than ever?
Wade, for one, is optimistic. “That’s how I look at it. That’s what we’re gonna look at what’s gonna happen when we talk about LeBron’s legacy is, for leaving the game in the good place, ‘Put Luka in a good place for us.’ That will leave the game in a real good place,” he said last February. While last season’s playoff run left something to be desired, the Lakers are running it back with an improved supporting cast, hoping that James and Doncic can unlock another level of synergy.
As the 2025-2026 NBA season approaches, fans and analysts alike are glued to every development. Will LeBron James finally heed Carmelo Anthony’s call and transition to Hall of Fame status? Can Luka Doncic and James form a partnership worthy of the Lakers’ storied legacy? And as Horace Grant reminded everyone, does the GOAT debate even have a final answer—or is it destined to remain the most tantalizing question in sports?
With legends weighing in, new stars rising, and iconic careers nearing their twilight, the NBA’s storylines have rarely been richer. The only certainty is that the conversation—about greatness, legacy, and what comes next—shows no sign of slowing down.
