Carmelo Anthony Gets Candid on LeBron, MJ, and Kobe: “The GOAT Talk Matters More to LeBron”
On a recent episode of his podcast “7 PM in Brooklyn,” NBA legend Carmelo Anthony peeled back the layers of basketball’s eternal debate: Who is the greatest of all time—LeBron James or Michael Jordan?
Anthony shared a revealing take: “LeBron cares more about being the GOAT than MJ does.” Why? Because Jordan, in Carmelo’s words, “already set the benchmark.” At 39, LeBron is still actively building his case, while Jordan left the game having solidified his dominance decades ago.
“MJ never chased the GOAT title—he became it,” Carmelo explained. “LeBron’s just working with a different set of stakes.”
Anthony added that young Jordan once aimed to match Bill Russell’s 11 rings, but fell short. Likewise, LeBron’s 10 Finals appearances in 20 seasons is, in Anthony’s view, “historic in its own right.”
On Kobe Bryant: The Mamba Wasn’t Meant to Be Loved
Carmelo also reflected on Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba” nickname. “Most guys pick lions or tigers,” he noted, “but Kobe chose a snake—so his enemies wouldn’t like him.” That fierce edge defined the Mamba Mentality.
From calling out Jokic to analyzing legends, Anthony’s podcast continues to offer sharp, unfiltered insight into the minds of basketball’s elite.
Carmelo Anthony talks on LeBron James
“He saved my life” pic.twitter.com/xLZePGl6yv
— 2『X』『x』『X』♔ (Temporary inactive watching playoffs) (@2xgocrazy2) October 12, 2022
