The conversation about who the greatest NBA player of all time is has echoed through generations of fans and players alike. Whether it’s Michael Jordan’s dominance, Kobe Bryant’s relentless work ethic, or LeBron James’ all-around greatness, the GOAT debate is never far from basketball discussion.
Recently, former NBA swingman Danny Green reignited that debate during an appearance on the “All The Smoke” podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. He gave a thoughtful breakdown of his personal rankings while declaring MJ as his GOAT.
“My GOAT is MJ. I think Bron [James] has had the greatest career of all time. I’ll go one and two – MJ and then Bron. It’s tough to put Kob three because, I think, as a young kid, I always liked Mike so much, I thought Kob was just the imitation of Mike,” Green said.
"My GOAT is [Michael Jordan]. I think [LeBron James] has the greatest career of all time… I think [Kobe Bryant] probably is the most skilled [out of] all three."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 2, 2025
— Danny Green 🤔
(via @allthesmokeprod)pic.twitter.com/gwEjrLi3lI
Green has won championships with LeBron James and played in the league during Kobe Bryant’s final years while also witnessing Jordan’s legendary influence. However, Green didn’t dismiss Bryant’s greatness. In fact, he gave Bryant one of the highest compliments a player can receive.
“I think he, probably, is the most skilled out of all three. Mike was just – He did one move, you ain’t stopping it. I’m going to keep doing it. I’m going to shoot 60% doing it. I’m going to the free-throw line. Kob is probably the most skilled out of those three,” he added.
Danny Green Reflects on Lakers Experience and the Power of Their Fanbase
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During his recent All The Smoke podcast appearance, Danny Green opened up about what it was like to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. Green also shared how he quickly realized the immense reach of their fanbase.
“America’s Team. I don’t remember where or when I signed. I think I was in a random-ass city; it might’ve been like Orlando. But you realize how many Lakers fans are everywhere. It’s like the Cowboys. A fanbase, America’s Team. Everywhere we went, everybody’s, ‘Yo! Thanks for signing with the Lakers.’ I’m in the middle of somewhere I shouldn’t be, and Lakers fans,” Green said.
Green spent only one season with the Lakers during the 2019-20 campaign, but it was a memorable one. In that shortened, bubble-affected season, he averaged eight points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. More significantly, he capped off the year by winning his third NBA championship.
Also Read: Lakers Superstar LeBron James Reflects On His Unconventional Path To NBA Greatness
