“Whenever He Averages 55 Points”: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Sharp Critique of LeBron James’ NBA Mount Rushmore Picks

LeBron James, one of the most decorated and influential basketball players in NBA history, has never shied away from voicing his opinions about the league’s greats. However, his comments about his personal NBA “Mount Rushmore” stirred controversy, particularly with one all-time legend: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Lakers icon and NBA’s all-time leading scorer (until LeBron surpassed him in 2023) delivered a sharp critique of LeBron’s remarks, leaving fans debating the boundaries of respect and authority in discussions of basketball history.

Here’s the story behind the clash between two basketball titans and why Kareem’s response remains a defining moment in the ongoing debate about the NBA’s greatest players.

LeBron’s Mount Rushmore Comments

The controversy dates back to 2014, when LeBron James, then in his prime with the Miami Heat, shared his thoughts on the NBA’s Mount Rushmore during an interview. LeBron named Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Oscar Robertson as his top four, explaining that these players revolutionized the game and set the standard for greatness.

LeBron also added that he would eventually secure a spot on this hypothetical monument by the time his career was over, confidently stating, “I’m going to be one of the top four that’s ever played this game. For sure.”

While many applauded LeBron’s ambition and self-confidence, others—including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—were less than impressed.

Kareem’s Fiery Response

Known for his intellectual depth and outspokenness, Kareem didn’t hold back when asked about LeBron’s Mount Rushmore. During an interview, he made his stance clear, delivering a blunt critique:

“Whenever he averages 55 points, I might want to listen to what he has to say.”

This sharp remark highlighted Kareem’s belief that sheer dominance and accomplishments should outweigh personal opinions when discussing the game’s greatest players. Kareem, whose skyhook became one of the most unstoppable moves in NBA history, likely felt his omission from LeBron’s list was a glaring oversight.

The six-time NBA champion and six-time MVP arguably has the most decorated résumé in league history, including being the league’s all-time leading scorer for nearly 40 years. By dismissing LeBron’s comments, Kareem seemed to remind everyone of the weight his accomplishments carried.

Fans and Analysts Weigh In

The clash between Kareem and LeBron sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts. Many sided with Kareem, arguing that his unparalleled accolades and dominance in the paint made his omission from LeBron’s Mount Rushmore a significant oversight.

“Kareem’s got a point. Six MVPs, six rings, and he held the scoring record for decades. How does he not make the cut?” one fan tweeted.
“LeBron’s list is his opinion, but Kareem’s reaction shows how competitive these legends still are, even years after retiring,” added another analyst.

Others defended LeBron’s picks, pointing out that Mount Rushmore is subjective and that his choices reflected players who influenced his style and career.

“LeBron’s entitled to his opinion. MJ, Magic, Bird, and Big O are all legends. Kareem should take it as a debate, not a diss.”

The back-and-forth reflected the larger challenge of ranking players across eras, given the differences in competition, playing styles, and the evolution of the game.

Kareem vs. LeBron: A Generational Divide

At its core, the disagreement between Kareem and LeBron represents a generational divide in how greatness is defined. For Kareem, dominance on the court—backed by undeniable statistics and accolades—stands as the ultimate measure. His career stats, which include over 38,000 points, 17 All-Star appearances, and countless accolades, make his case undeniable.

LeBron, on the other hand, has often emphasized the cultural impact of players. His inclusion of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson reflects his appreciation for the stars who elevated the NBA’s popularity in the 1980s, while his nod to Oscar Robertson acknowledges the triple-double king’s groundbreaking influence on the game.

This divergence in criteria—on-court dominance versus cultural significance—fuels the broader debate about what defines the NBA’s greatest players.

Respect Amid Disagreement

While Kareem’s critique came across as harsh, there’s no denying the mutual respect between the two legends. Over the years, LeBron has often spoken highly of Kareem, praising his impact on and off the court. Similarly, Kareem has acknowledged LeBron’s greatness and his efforts to use his platform for social change.

In fact, when LeBron broke Kareem’s all-time scoring record in February 2023, Kareem was gracious in passing the torch, handing LeBron the ceremonial basketball during an emotional moment. The gesture symbolized the enduring respect between the two icons, despite their occasional differences.

The Legacy of the Mount Rushmore Debate

The Mount Rushmore debate between LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar underscores the passion and competitiveness that define basketball’s greatest players. It also highlights how subjective discussions of greatness can be, shaped by personal experiences, generational biases, and evolving standards.

For fans, moments like these serve as a reminder of how special it is to witness multiple eras of NBA greatness. While Kareem and LeBron may differ in their perspectives, their contributions to the game have elevated basketball to global prominence.

Closing Thoughts

LeBron James’ Mount Rushmore comments and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s fiery response are more than just a clash of opinions—they’re a testament to the competitive spirit that drives the NBA’s greatest players. Whether you side with Kareem’s dominance or LeBron’s cultural lens, one thing is clear: both legends have left an indelible mark on the game.

As LeBron’s career continues to unfold and Kareem’s legacy remains cemented in the annals of basketball history, fans will undoubtedly keep revisiting this debate. And in doing so, they’ll keep alive the spirit of competition that makes the NBA so captivating.