I'm sorry but LeBron James is the 2nd best player to ever play the game of basketball. There's no avoiding that.
Too young to have watched Wilt or Russell.
I am always amazed at how big men are completely ignored in these discussions. Kareem, Wilt, Hakeem, even look at what Duncan has done. Shaq was completely dominating for a time and won championships on two teams (not just two championships).
You are fine with having your opinion, its the "there's no avoiding that" part that I would disagree with.
LeBron might end up being that, but he is not there yet.
Kareem, Wilt, Hakeem, LeBron, Magic, Duncan, Shaq, Russell are all rookies. You are building a team. You have first pick. Who do you take? No, Jordan is not on the board.
I don't think I am taking LeBron.
Now if the discussion is LeBron or Kobe, I am taking LeBron.