“We Don’t Have to Lie About Larry Bird”: Nick Wright Makes Bold LeBron James Comparison With Celtics Legend

While pitting greats against greats really gets the talk going, the “who’s better” debate involving LeBron James and Larry Bird has always been an interesting one for prominent sports television personality Nick Wright. For those who’ve been sticking around, we’ve seen Wright’s fierce advocacy of LeBron before. And this time was no different.

“We don't have to lie about Larry Bird to make him get the respect he deserves,” Wright argued to Dan Patrick on his show First Thing First. “He's (Bron) definitionally a far better defensive player. He is, in my opinion, a better passer. I think Bird was a more flashy passer, but I can call that a draw because I think Bird is actually an underrated passer by the numbers because of that. He is definitively a more reliable scorer, as evidenced by the facts. The eighties were one of the highest-scoring decades of NBA history. And LeBron still far outstrips him in raw scoring and efficiency. And he's obviously the more durable, reliable player.”

Now, if we’re talking about the accolades and stats, obviously Bron stands superior. The 22-time All-NBA and 6-time All-Defensive Team selection, LeBron, has more points and assists and has played more career games. Comparatively, Larry’s been a 10-time All-NBA selection and made All-Defensive (second team) thrice. The former NBA icon’s playstyle revolved around more efficient shooting and less ball-dominant play, which definitely isn't Bron’s area. And this is where Patrick argued his point.

“Bird to me is the equal passer,” DP stated. “He didn't handle the ball as much as LeBron did. So LeBron's going to have more opportunities for that. Bird's a far better shooter. And they … didn't even really use the three-point shot. He's a better rebounder. He's far more clutch than LeBron has been.”

Again, it was Wright’s time to disagree. Surely Bird has been a “cold-blooded,” fearless shooter who could capitalize on free throws effectively. Comparatively, LeBron thrives in facilitating and elevating his teammates rather than taking the potentially game-winning free throw. If it comes to it, Bron would go for a game-winning layup instead.

This might give the impression that Bird’s a better clutch and a more efficient shooter. But when it's about impacting the game overall with maximum statistical dominance, we know Wright isn’t bluffing.

And there was obviously a part where DP’s argument faltered.

“We're talking about other players, about how we can't disregard the defensive side of the ball,” Wright went on. “And in your entire play on right there to Larry Bird, you did not mention the defensive side of the ball. So, we're talking about peak when LeBron was arguably the single best defensive player in the league and came a vote away from winning defensive player of the year. Does that not heavily tilt in his favor?”

Perhaps it does. Statistically, LeBron dominates in more aspects than Bird did. But when it all comes back to pioneering and shaping the league, making the evolution come to where it is today, we know where the credit goes.

Obviously, LeBron has his era. But things probably wouldn't have started without legends like Bird.