LeBron recently admitted in this week's cover story for Sports Illustrated that his motivation is chasing "the ghost" of this certain Chicago Bulls player -- Michael Jordan.
"My motivation is this ghost I'm chasing. The ghost played in Chicago," said James.
LeBron admitted that their basketball journeys are totally different. He looked up to him so much. And even though he's already among those great players, he can never call himself to be the greatest player.
Though LeBron already had the sweetest moment after avenging his team Cleveland Cavaliers for its first ever championship, he still has a long way to go.
So, how can King James surpass the GOAT?
First of all, LeBron has to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the rest of his career. The Miami Heat journey is already in the past. After giving the Cavaliers its first ever championship, LeBron will most likely to be stuck on Cleveland along with more fans' expectation for a few more victories. People want their superstars to be loyal.
There is no room for a superteam. There can only be one. Having Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson are just the biggest challenge on his future accomplishments. He can never share with any player who's actually at his basketball peak.
LeBron also needs to root for peace between the league and the union. As vice president of the players' union, he has to make sure that the NBA avoids missing games.
LeBron currently has three rings (in seven tries). Jordan has six. Unless James wins four more and surpasses MJ in rings with seven, then this entire conversation is over.
Next year, ha has to stare down that most super of superteams, the Golden State Warriors. As expected, he may face the team that's significantly more talented than any Jordan crushed. And with the Warriors gaining more power with Kevin Durant fresh in the lineup, the team LeBron used to steal the title from is no longer the same. He has to crush their spirits.
LeBron also have to win the next three NBA titles. Consecutively. In a row. That would give him four straight -- something that Jordan never accomplished. He also needs to make 10 straight NBA Finals appearances and needs to win seven total regular season MVPs.
LeBron should also be looking beyond Jordan on the scoring list. He must move all the way to No.2 on that all-time regular-season scoring leaderboard, passing Karl Malone's current total of 36,928 points.
Being the best all-around player in the modern era is what makes LeBron great. But he just can't let himself stick to scoring. He also has to move to the top 50 of all-time rebounders. He also has to climb into the top 10 in career assists. He is currently in the top 20 of both scoring and assists, along with Oscar Robertson.
Sounds impossible but averaging a triple-double for an entire season would definitely leave an impression. If the King wants to dethrone the GOAT, he needs to make a statement as the most dominant wing in the NBA history.
As for the post-season, LeBron (5,572 points) is on pace to surpass Jordan (5,987) as the leading scorer in playoff history in next year's Finals. He'll likely finish his career in the top five in playoff rebounds and assists while setting records for games and minutes played.
All in all, combining those individual accomplishments with the title goals, there's no doubt that version of LeBron James will be the greatest NBA player ever.
Source: FOX Sports
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