A former Los Angeles Lakers teammate of LeBron James has delivered sharp criticism of the star’s move to the Philadelphia 76ers, arguing that any future title would not elevate him to greatest-of-all-time status.
Danny Green, a three-time NBA champion who captured a title alongside James in 2020, made his remarks on a recent podcast appearance.
Green pointed to the talent surrounding James in Philadelphia as the reason a championship would carry less weight in the GOAT debate.
“LeBron getting a championship as the 3rd or 4th option, that does not gonna be like, ‘Oh, you’re the GOAT now,’” Green said.
He continued by ranking the 76ers’ roster hierarchy in clear terms.
“Like Maxey and Brown are the best players on that team, then it’s Embiid, then it’s LeBron. You are now the 4th option,” he said.
Hall of Famer Charles Barkley voiced similar reservations after James agreed to a two-year, $8 million veteran minimum contract with Philadelphia. Barkley addressed James directly during an appearance on a popular sports talk program.
“Yo, man, you’re always stacking your team,” Barkley said.
He expanded on the pattern he has observed throughout James’ career.
“He stacked it in Miami. He stacked it in Cleveland. He’s stacked it in L.A. Now he’s stacking it in Philly,” added Barkley. “So, to me, I’m still going to have the same criticism I’ve always had. He’s always stacked his team.”
Barkley left open one narrow path for a change in his evaluation of James’ place in history.
“If he wins back-to-back championships and walks away this thing at 44, 45, I’ll say something I ain’t never said before: ‘This dude I think I just saw the greatest basketball player ever.’”
James, who is 41, explained his choice in a detailed public statement that framed the move as potentially his final professional chapter. He emphasized that financial or personal considerations did not drive the decision.
“This is my last decision,” James wrote, “I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?”
The four-time champion described his remaining motivations in straightforward language.
“I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship.”
James expressed confidence in the 76ers’ potential and excitement about the new environment.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”
The 76ers now feature James alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown, positioning the franchise among the top title contenders entering the upcoming season.
