LeBron James (L) appears with Julius Erving at the 2003 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, July 16, 2003. (Getty Images)
Julius “Dr. J” Erving has explained why LeBron James was not included on his list of all-time great basketball players.
The omission immediately caught the attention of NBA fans, considering James has built one of the most accomplished résumés in league history.
But according to Erving, the decision isn’t necessarily a knock on LeBron.
It’s about when he believes an all-time ranking should be made.
“I usually talk about retired players being part of all-time teams, not current players,” Erving said, via Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
“LeBron is not retired yet, so it’s hard to put him in his position until his career is over.”
Dr. J’s Criteria Leaves LeBron’s Final Ranking Open
Erving’s comments suggest that LeBron’s absence from his list shouldn’t necessarily be interpreted as a statement that James doesn’t belong among the greatest players ever.
Instead, Dr. J appears to have a personal rule: wait until a player’s career is complete before determining his final place in basketball history.
That’s particularly relevant with James still playing.
Even after more than two decades in the NBA, LeBron continues to add to his résumé, making it impossible to know exactly where his career will ultimately rank until he officially retires.
For Erving, the final chapter matters.
LeBron’s Résumé Already Speaks for Itself
Regardless of where someone ranks him, James has already a robust resume that assuredly places him in the room amongst the all-time greats.
His career includes:
- Four NBA championships
- Four NBA MVP awards
- Four NBA Finals MVP awards
- 21 All-NBA selections
- 22 time NBA All-Star
- 6-time All-Defensive Team
- The NBA’s all-time scoring record
- NBA 75th Anniversary Team member
And LeBron’s career isn’t finished yet.
That’s precisely what makes the discussion so fascinating.
Every additional season gives James another opportunity to change how his career is ultimately viewed.
The GOAT Debate Isn’t Going Away
Dr. J’s comments are also likely to reignite the familiar debate over where LeBron belongs among the greatest players in NBA history.
For some fans, James is already the greatest ever.
The majority of fans still place Michael Jordan at No. 1, while others point to legends such as , Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Erving himself.
There is no universal formula for determining the greatest player ever, which is why these conversations continue to generate so much discussion.
And with LeBron still active, his final chapter remains unwritten.
Dr. J Isn’t Closing the Door on LeBron
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Erving’s comments is that LeBron’s omission isn’t necessarily permanent.
Once James retires, Dr. J could ultimately evaluate his entire career and determine where he belongs among the game’s legends.
Until then, Erving is choosing to wait.
Do you agree with Dr. J’s approach? Should active players be excluded from all-time lists, or has LeBron already done enough to guarantee his place among the greatest ever?
