Dirk Nowitzki Weighs In On NBA 'GOAT' Debate, How LeBron James Will Surpass Michael Jordan

Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki has shared his take on who between LeBron James and Michael Jordan deserves the coveted "Greatest Of All Time" label within the league.

During the press conference ahead of his statue reveal at the American Airlines Center, Nowitzki told reporters that James would have a true leg up on Jordan if he can surpass the NBA scoring record currently held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

"It's tremendous that he can still play like this in Year 20, his athleticism is incredible, and I'm happy for him. I always say Michael Jordan is the 'GOAT,' but if he really surpasses Kareem with the scoring record, I'm sort of running out of arguments for Michael," Nowitzki stated.

Nowitzki has had a long, storied history with James after his Mavericks took down the highly-touted Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals, in which James and Dwyane Wade had mocked him for allegedly faking his illness.

However, it appears that such issues are water under the bridge after Nowitzki eventually called it a career and claimed his ring at James and Wade's expense.

Having high praises for "The King" shows how much James' otherworldly longevity has surpassed his peers.

For context, James is only one of two players from the 2003 NBA draft class still active in the league today–the other being all-time great scorer Carmelo Anthony who is currently without a team.

James has been criticized throughout his entire career for a multitude of things, but the one thing his most ardent detractors cannot take away from "LBJ" is how he continues to be a productive player.

"What this guy has done has been nothing short of incredible—the longevity. I'll always say being called "King" at 15 [years old] and how he turned out and what he's done for communities where he played and changed so many lives," Nowitzki later added.

The Lakers fell victim to the Mavericks led by Luka Doncic after a stellar performance across the board that featured a record-setting 51-point third quarter–the most in a quarter in NBA history.

As has been the story for Los Angeles in the past two seasons, James was the lone bright spot again with 38 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Though the Lakers are struggling this season, James is now only 629 points away from claiming the record that many believed to be untouchable.

"He's a very, very special athlete and for now, we need to appreciate watching him at the level he's playing at," Nowitzki concluded.

"GOAT" debates, regardless of sport, will always be subjective as it is a fun way for fans to talk about what makes a player the all-time best, but it cannot be denied that James' already-stellar resume is about to get more impressive once he claims the all-time NBA scoring record.