Is LeBron the greatest small forward ever? Not yet he isn’t.

According to NBA announcer/former coach/blowhard/religious fanatic Mark Jackson, LeBron James is “the greatest small forward ever.” He’s said this several times recently, and I have one problem with it.

He’s wrong.

Speaking strictly statistically, Mr. Larry Bird is currently the best at this position. He leads LeBron in the following:

• NBA Championships.
• Playoffs played in.
• All-Star selections.
• All-NBA first team selections.
• Total All-NBA Team selections.

Yes, if LeBron continues to play a long career, he very well may be the greatest of all time someday. But that day is not now.

So easy there, Mark Jackson.

I believe most would agree that Bird was just as good a passer as LeBron and a much better shooter. Bird was as good a scorer as LeBron and did it against arguably better and less watered down competition. Sure, LeBron’s stats are impressive but the league is WAY softer than it was in the days of Larry Legend.

As far as athleticism, LeBron is clearly head and shoulders above LeBron and is a better defender than Bird ever dreamed of being.

That said, as of 2014 LeBron James has a way to go before he can claim to be the greatest small forward in NBA history. Will he make it? Quite possibly.

But he’s not there yet.