"Compare him to Larry Bird" - Rick Barry downplays LeBron James in GOAT talk, prefers Kobe Bryant as Michael Jordan’s closest comparison

The greatest of all-time basketball player talk involving Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant is unending and often contentious. Most people are firmly convinced about their choice as the GOAT. Some NBA legends have also tossed in their thoughts about who they think is the best to play the sport.

The legendary Rick Barry, in a talk with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, said on the topic:

"Mike (Jordan) was a 2-guard and LeBron’s (James) a 3-man who can play the 1. He’s versatile. He can play the 4 and probably play the 5 on some teams. But he’s incredibly talented, but he’s basically a 3.

"So if you’re gonna compare him, compare him to Larry Bird during the time when he played some together but, he’s a 3. So don’t compare him to those other guys.”

Most fans consider the GOAT debate to be positionless. Centers like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell are also considered for the enviable title.

Barry, though, doesn’t put the discussion that way. He wants positions to be a key factor in the debate. Hence, he insists that LeBron James can only be compared with Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird and not Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.

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Ricky Barry claims Michael Jordan is the greatest “2-guard of his time” and compares him to Kobe Bryant

Rick Barry insists that time and position are the deciding factors in calling a player the GOAT and doesn't call one player the “greatest of all time." The 1975 NBA champ said in the same interview with “Scoop B” about Michael Jordan’s greatness:

“Michael Jordan was the greatest 2-guard of his time. No question about it and still considered one of the greatest 2-guards ever! But, the thing is, just compare him to his time.”

The comparison with Kobe Bryant was inevitable, a point Barry emphasized:

“Kobe was great, but he happened to play when Michael played, so he’s gonna play second fiddle to Michael. But, I love Kobe, and I’m one of Kobe’s biggest fans.”

Rick Barry’s contention is well taken and a point fans have heard over the years in the GOAT talk. Barry’s idea isn’t going to be the last, and others will continue to share their thoughts about the never-ending debate.