It may be the hottest and lengthiest sports debate of all time: Who is the GOAT? The Lakers’ LeBron James or the Bulls’ Michael Jordan? Granted, the discussion can become tiring to the point of aggravation. At the same time, LeBron is the one who won’t allow it to die, which means NBA fans and LeBron fans (and haters) are privileged to watch him play still. Many wonder if a fifth championship would vault him over Jordan. Many others laugh the notion off as delusion. However, what if it’s not another ring that would do the job? What if he simply dragged this Lakers team to victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, completing a 3-1 series comeback? According to Dwight Howard, completing the daunting 3-1 comeback solidifies James’s GOAT status.
Former Lakers Champ Calls LeBron James GOAT if He Completes Comeback
Dwight Howard believes an LA Lakers 3-1 comeback over the Minnesota Timberwolves puts LeBron James in permanent GOAT status
He has all the records (regular season and playoffs), all the points, and all 22 seasons worth of brilliant, legendary, phenomenal basketball. What LeBron doesn’t have is a perfect, unblemished finals record. He’s 4-6 to Jordan’s 6-0, and while Jordan certainly had his playoff failures before Chicago’s run, no one seems to include that in Jordan’s legacy. In the eyes of many, LeBron has already done enough to take the win over Jordan, but Howard believes that LeBron has to overcome the 3-1 hole he and the Lakers are sitting in right now.
LeBron’s former teammate in LA and 2020 championship winner with the Lakers posted on Twitter earlier in the week his take on LeBron’s legacy and what a series comeback would do for his GOAT status.
“If LeBron comes back from 3-1 at 40, I don’t wanna even hear about a GOAT debate.”
If LeBron comes back from 3-1 at 40 I don’t wanna even hear about a GOAT debate
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) April 28, 2025
You can imagine the hundreds upon hundreds of reactions to that statement—from the supporters and the haters alike. Nevertheless, suppose LeBron was able to lead the Lakers out of this hole they’ve dug themselves into, with Luka Dončić‘s help, of course. A 3-1 comeback is a 3-1 comeback, and it’s LeBron’s team coming back. How does that not hold any weight? Then again, what are the Lakers doing down 3-1 in the first place?
Game 5 for all the Lakers’ marbles
Either LeBron or Luka will have to explode on Wednesday for the Lakers to live another day. The good news is they’re back in Los Angeles, in front of their home crowd. Advantage: LeBron. The Lakers are favored to win Game 5 and send the series back to Minnesota. However, winning three in a row presents many more challenges than winning just one. Plus, after Wednesday night, there are no more two-day rests between games. Advantage: Anthony Edwards.
The Lakers have no choice but to take it game by game, starting with Game 5. Looking ahead and picturing having to win three straight won’t help them. If Howard is correct, and a series comeback against the Timberwolves elevates LeBron’s GOAT case, it starts Wednesday night.
© Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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