On a recent episode of “The Rush” podcast by Raiders’ DE Maxx Crosby, the excitement was palpable as he shared his deep respect for basketball icon LeBron James. The conversation then took a turn towards discussing who was the GOAT of basketball. And both NFL players had a different opinion on that.
As the NFL offseason progresses, players from the Rams are embracing this period for some well-deserved relaxation and recovery. Among these athletes, wide receiver Puca Nacua is using this downtime to reflect on his rookie NFL journey. Nacua is actively participating in podcasts and interviews, sharing insights into his rookie experiences and the transition to professional football.
In a discussion on the greatest basketball player of all time, Puca Nakua and Maxx Crosby shared their diverse perspectives. Puca passionately argued for LeBron James, highlighting his unparalleled athleticism and physical prowess. According to him, LeBron was the perfect blend of speed, strength, and skill.
Maxx, on the other hand, revealed his personal affinity for Kobe Bryant, even though for GOAT, his vote would go to Micahel Jordan. “You know people have their preferences. I mean they’re both great. I think Jordan’s the greatest. I’m a Kobe guy. I’m not saying he’s greater than LeBron but I’m a Kobe guy” he confessed.
While the debate can never be settled, what to the numbers say? LeBron, known for his extraordinary versatility has recorded 27.2 points per game. His ability to excel in scoring, setting up plays, and securing rebounds made him a formidable triple-threat on the court. Kobe Bryant, on the other hand, averaged close to 30.0 points per game during his prime, Kobe’s scoring prowess was unmatched.
When it comes to MVP titles, both stand shoulder-to-shoulder at 4. However, Puka felt that LeBron could have edged ahead in the tally if his title had not been “robbed”.
LeBron “robbed” of deserving title
Nakua took a deep dive into the storied career of LeBron James, pondering over the highs and milestones that define the basketball maestro’s legacy. He pinpointed two distinct eras that, in his view, represented LeBron at his zenith. The year 2013 was a time when LeBron’s brilliance was at its peak, a period Nakua referred to as “just heat.” However, it was the mature, seasoned LeBron of 2018 that Nakua saw as the true master of the court, a phase where his game reached new heights of sophistication, even though victory in the championship eluded him that year.
The discussion then veered into the hotly debated MVP race of 2018, where Nakua didn’t hesitate to express a bold viewpoint, claiming “James Harden robbed Bron of the MVP that year.” LeBron’s remarkable averages of 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, coupled with a stellar 54% field goal shooting, stood in stark contrast to Harden’s 44% shooting efficiency and 30.4 points per game average. Despite LeBron’s superior all-around play, the MVP accolade ultimately went to Harden.
As Nakua reflects on his own burgeoning career, the trajectory seems promising, with aspirations of reaching the lofty standards set by his basketball idol. Perhaps, in the not-too-distant future, Nakua’s path will cross with LeBron’s, fulfilling a long-held dream of meeting the player who has inspired him both on and off the field.
