LeBron James made NBA history with his latest achievement this week

STEPHEN A. Smith is ready to end basketball’s GOAT debate once and for all.

And the ESPN star claims it shouldn’t even be in question these days.

Stephen A. Smith claimed the NBA's GOAT debate is over
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Stephen A. Smith claimed the NBA’s GOAT debate is overCredit: ESPN

LeBron James driving to the basket during a basketball game.
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LeBron James became the first person in NBA history to surpass 50,000 pointsCredit: Getty
Smith admitted he was “annoyed” by LeBron James’ remarks last week.

The pair engaged in a back and forth after James’ comments about players not wanting to be the next face of the NBA.

James, 40, has been the star of the league for the last two decades since taking over from Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

But he claimed there’s a “weird energy” among media which is putting players off wanting the title.

James then went on to become the first person in history to score 50,000 points in the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers star is a four-time NBA champion, four-time MVP and regarded by some as the greatest to ever play.

The only man to have a claim similar to his is Michael Jordan.

But Smith said on First Take that James’ latest accomplishments make the debate redundant.

“Although he annoyed the living hell out of me last week with all that nonsense he was talking,” Smith said.

“The greatness that he has put on display for as long as he has put on display.

“I would go a step further, knowing how I feel about Jordan.

“I actually think it’s time to not even have the debate any more.

“That’s how great LeBron James has been for as long as he’s been that great.”

James has been in the league ever since 2003 when he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jordan, meanwhile, had a shorter career but was more dominant for that period he played.

Michael Jordan holding the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy.
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Michael Jordan is considered by many as the greatest player everCredit: AFP

Comparison of LeBron James' and Michael Jordan's NBA statistics.
He won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s.

Smith continued, “It’s not the 50,000 points, it’s not the way he looked last night, it’s not even the way he’s looked this month.

“It’s the fact that this dude, I’m looking at a guy at 40 years of age.

“He is in better shape than 98 per cent of the league, if not more.

“LeBron James deserves all the props in the world, and I’m going to give it to him.”