Former NBA player Pero Antic is taking aim at LeBron James — and his comments are already sparking plenty of debate.
Antic, who played in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks from 2013–15, recently shared a brutally critical assessment of James and questioned why the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is routinely compared with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
“I can’t watch the NBA anymore,” Antic said.
He then took his criticism even further, using a controversial comparison to describe James’ approach to the game.
“They’re comparing him to Jordan and Kobe. What? He’s like a little girl, always begging for something, then he flops and nags,” Antic said.
Antic also argued that James has negatively influenced the NBA in several ways, specifically pointing to James’ pursuit of the league’s all-time scoring record and his desire to play alongside his son, Bronny James.
“LeBron ruined the NBA in one way,” Antic said. “‘Oh, I’m going to chase the scoring title on purpose so that nobody ever catches me. Oh, I want my son to play with me.’ That’s not how it’s supposed to go.”
The LeBron Debate Never Ends
Antic’s comments reopen one of the NBA’s most polarizing, and exhausting debates: Where does LeBron James rank among the greatest players in basketball history?
James has built a résumé that includes multiple NBA championships, MVP awards, All-NBA selections, an Olympic gold medal and the league’s all-time scoring record.
His supporters point to his longevity, production and ability to remain an elite player across multiple eras.
Critics, meanwhile, have long questioned his playing style, career decisions and the influence he has had on the modern NBA.
Antic clearly falls into the latter camp.
Whether you agree with him or not, one thing is certain: LeBron vs. Jordan vs. Kobe debates aren’t going anywhere.
WHO’S RIGHT?
Did LeBron James actually “ruin the NBA,” or is Pero Antic way off base?
And where does LeBron rank for you among Jordan, Kobe and the all-time greats?
