If there is one debate that most basketball fans are growing tired of, it is, without a question, about who deserves to carry the flattering title of the greatest of all time. It is discussed on podcasts, TV shows and even between regular fans in their daily basketball conversations.
For decades, Michael Jordan was the man nobody even thought could be surpassed. Not only because of everything he accomplished on the hardwood, but also because of the way he influenced the entire sports world with his presence. However, as LeBron James continued to pile up records and play year after year without a significant dip in his numbers, that discussion became that much more complicated.
Even now, entering his record-breaking 24th season in the Association, there is almost nothing James hasn't done on the hardwood. Yet, Chris Bosh , his former Miami Heat teammate and the guy who won two titles with Bron in South Beach, believes there is still one final box James needs to check before retiring. And that box would be the one that would cement his place at the top of the all-time ranking, no matter what anyone might say.
And no, we aren't talking about capturing his fifth ring, although that would certainly strengthen his case.
Bosh, having played alongside James for four seasons, had a front-row seat to greatness and just how much Bron could impact the game at his peak. Scoring, defending, assisting, you name it.
But when discussing his former teammate's place in basketball history, CB didn't simply compare him to Jordan. Instead, he went through several all-time greats and pointed out how James has managed to take something from pretty much all of them.
"I don't know that. I'll leave that for you to decide, but I will say this: he's been to the Finals 10 times," Bosh said about whether he believes James is the greatest player ever. "Jerry West went nine times. He's worn multiple numbers like Kobe. Led the league in assists like Magic with the Lakers. Led the league in scoring like Jordan. Played more seasons than Robert Parish…"
And the comparisons didn't stop there. With his recent move to the Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron checked another box on Chris' rather unusual list.
Considering everything James has accomplished, finding something completely new for him to add to his résumé isn't exactly easy.
But Bosh found one.
Of course, Bosh was just putting the idea out there, without a clear indication of what is in James' mind. But considering how much LeBron has already accomplished, it almost makes sense that the only challenge left would be something that hasn't been done in the NBA for decades.
Bill Russell famously served as the Boston Celtics' player-coach and won two championships while calling the shots in 1968 and '69. Now, with James in Philadelphia for what seems to be the final chapter of his career, Bosh jokingly believes Nick Nurse should simply hand him the key and let him enjoy the last ride in a slightly different position.
"He's got to coach the team to a championship like Bill Russell did," Bosh said. "So, Bron, if you hear this, you gotta play and coach, man. You've already done everything else."
Such a move would definitely turn some heads and add another layer to LeBron's already incredible greatness. But whether it would be enough to swing die-hard Jordan supporters and finally settle the GOAT debate is still up in the air.
However, if there is one thing we know about LeBron, it is that after everything he has already checked off his accomplishment list, calling the shots from the sidelines doesn't even seem completely outside the realm of possibility.
Bosh knows better than most just how good James is at dictating the game with the ball in his hands. So why not try doing it without it?
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Oct 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
