One of the biggest debates in American sports is about who is the greatest player in NBA history: Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
In the NFL, Tom Brady is unquestionably considered the greatest, just like Wayne Gretzky is in the NHL. But in basketball, the debate is intense, with strong arguments for both sides.
Brady, who spent his career chasing the most Super Bowls and grew up as a Joe Montana fan, built a legacy that blends elements of both Jordan and James.
At a recent event, the former quarterback shared his opinion on who is truly the greatest basketball player of all time, and his answer might surprise some people.
Tom Brady Calls LeBron James the NBA GOAT
Certain comparisons in sports are timeless because they divide fans and rarely produce an objective answer. The criteria for calling one player greater than another is often subjective, and in cases like Jordan and James, it allows for a deep interpretation of what it truly means to build a legacy in sports and what actually has the most impact.
For years, Jordan was unquestionably the greatest basketball player ever. He helped globalize the NBA through his brand and electrifying style of play. Combined with a larger-than-life personality and the mystique of never losing an NBA Finals in six appearances, Jordan built a legacy that went far beyond basketball, becoming almost an entity of his own.
But James is right there. A star for more than 20 years in the NBA, he has crafted the greatest longevity at an elite level in league history, becoming the all-time leading scorer and the player who has dominated the game for the longest period ever.
For Brady, that’s exactly what qualifies James as the greatest of all time.
“He’s always done things the right way, he’s always risen above all the noise and BS, and continues to deliver. You’re witnessing the greatest ever, and I hope you all appreciate that,” Brady said about James at Fanatics Fest.
“You’re witnessing the greatest ever and I hope you all appreciate that.” — Tom Brady on LeBron James 👑🐐 pic.twitter.com/RB5cOM8kk7
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) June 21, 2025
Brady’s praise reflects how much of this generation views James. Much like Brady, LeBron is the ultimate definition of dedication and what it truly means to be an athlete.
Brady’s story aligns closely with James’ path, from the MVPs and championships to the global recognition and off-field branding. His dedication and commitment to his body allowed him to play until age 45 and win his seventh Super Bowl at 43 after more than two decades in the NFL.
As for Brady’s legacy, it mirrors Jordan’s, something that transcends the NFL and became a brand forever synonymous with greatness in sports. But for the NFL’s GOAT, there’s only one GOAT in the NBA, and he’s still playing.