As the dust settles on the 2024 Olympics, one name continues to echo in the halls of basketball history—LeBron James. At 39 years old, LeBron led Team USA to a gold medal, his third in an illustrious career, and earned the MVP award for his outstanding performances throughout the tournament. This latest achievement is another jewel in the crown of a career that has redefined longevity and excellence in the sport.

LeBron’s ability to dominate a game filled with younger, faster players nearly two decades his junior is nothing short of remarkable. The NBA veteran, with 22 seasons under his belt, continues to defy the natural decline that comes with age. Still competing at the highest level and showing no signs of slowing down, he has at least two more years left in the NBA, plenty of time to pad his already legendary stats and further cement his legacy.

The debate over who is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) is one that has spanned decades and is often filled with heated arguments. As a devoted Michael Jordan fan, I understand the reverence for His Airness. Jordan’s six championships, including two three-peats, his five MVP awards, and his unmatched scoring ability during a career that spanned just over a decade, have solidified his place at the head of the GOAT table in the eyes of many. However, LeBron’s career demands that we reconsider how we define greatness in basketball.

What LeBron has accomplished throughout his career is unprecedented. From entering the league as an 18-year-old phenom to now, a seasoned veteran nearing 40, his impact on the game has been profound. His consistency, versatility, and leadership on and off the court have not only brought him individual accolades but have also transformed every team he has played for. His ability to adapt his game as the league has evolved, coupled with his physical and mental endurance, has allowed him to remain one of the best players in the world for more than two decades.

In this debate, perhaps it’s time to shift the conversation. Rather than arguing over who is the single greatest, it’s more fitting to recognize that the GOAT table has multiple seats, each occupied by legends who dominated their respective eras. Michael Jordan, with his unmatched competitiveness and scoring prowess, undeniably has a seat. LeBron James, with his longevity, versatility, and the sheer breadth of his accomplishments, has earned his place as well.

The question that remains is: who sits at the head of the table? For some, it’s Jordan, whose dominance in the 90s was unparalleled. For others, it’s LeBron, whose ability to sustain greatness over two decades is unmatched.

The truth is, both are deserving of the highest honor. They’ve each impacted the game in ways that will be felt for generations, and their legacies will inspire future players for years to come. As LeBron continues his journey in the NBA, his seat at the GOAT table is not just earned—it’s solidified, standing alongside the greats who came before him, with plenty of room for those who may come after.