Forget the Michael Jordan and LeBron James debate. Start discussing Scottie Pippen vs. James.
At least, that's what we think Pippen means. The man who played alongside Jordan and won six NBA championships told Cleveland.com his feelings on the matter.
"I was LeBron James before LeBron James," he said. "It's not even close."
Sure you were, Scottie. Pippen did go on to explain what he meant.
"They want to compare (James) to the greatest, whether it be Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson, but he's more closer to myself," he said. "It's natural for folks to say that, but if you look at how he plays the game and how I played the game, you'll see more similarities with us."
When people make comparisons about James and other NBA greats, Pippen's name typically isn't brought up. James is a higher scorer than Pippen (he already has more career points despite fewer career games) and dishes out more assists (James has more career assists).
Pippen was great, there's no debating that — but it's tough to argue anyone was LeBron James before LeBron James.