Stop kissing Nikola Jokic’s ass already” – Former Lakers champion blasts Stan Van Gundy live on air for glorifying Jokic as “the greatest player of all time

The debate around Nikola Jokic’s GOAT status has erupted into one of the most heated conversations of the current NBA season. With his combination of skill, efficiency, basketball IQ, and historic production, Nikola Jokic has already cemented himself as one of the greatest players of his generation. But is he worthy of entering the GOAT conversation right now?

A recent viral moment involving Stan Van Gundy and a harsh response from former Los Angeles Lakers champion Metta World Peace has propelled this debate into the spotlight. Van Gundy publicly suggested that Jokic might be the greatest basketball player in history, a statement that instantly drew sharp backlash across the NBA community.

In this in-depth feature, we break down what Van Gundy said, why Metta World Peace fired back, how other NBA players have reacted, and where LeBron James, one of Jokic’s greatest rivals, truly stands in the debate.

The Rise of Nikola Jokic and the Controversial GOAT Claim

There is no denying the greatness of Nikola Jokic. With three MVP titles, an NBA championship, and a Finals MVP, Jokic has achieved what many Hall of Famers never managed throughout their careers.

His unique style, which blends elite playmaking, soft touch around the rim, high-IQ passing, reliable three-level scoring and unselfish leadership, has transformed the Denver Nuggets into perennial contenders.

Still, Stan Van Gundy’s claim that Jokic might be the greatest of all time is a bold leap. On The Lowe Post Podcast with Zach Lowe, Van Gundy said:

“He might be the best player in NBA history.”

He then added: “We can argue that the 20 best players of all time have probably played in the last 20 years.”

This was not simple praise. It was a direct challenge to decades of NBA legacy built by icons such as Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and of course, LeBron James.

The backlash came instantly once his comments went viral.

Metta World Peace Responds With Harsh Criticism

Few expected a response as blunt as the one from Metta World Peace, former 2010 NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers.

On social media, Metta reacted with a sharp message:

“150 percent wrong. We need to stop kissing up to these players.”

His comment was direct and clearly aimed at Stan Van Gundy. To Metta World Peace, claiming that Nikola Jokic already belongs in the GOAT tier disrespects the legends who built the foundation of the NBA.

Metta emphasized that historical context matters. Michael Jordan has six championships. Kobe Bryant has five. Magic Johnson has five. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has six and the most unstoppable move ever created. LeBron James has four rings, 21 seasons and the all-time scoring record.

For Metta, putting Jokic above these names right now simply does not make sense.

Markieff Morris Also Pushes Back, Saying Jokic Is Great but Not Greater Than LeBron

Adding to the backlash, Markieff Morris, a 2020 NBA champion and former teammate of LeBron James, strongly disagreed with Stan Van Gundy.

Morris stated clearly:

“Jokic is not better than LeBron.”

Having faced both superstars on the court, Markieff understands their impact from firsthand experience. His perspective adds weight to a central argument in the GOAT debate. Even if Nikola Jokic is historically great, LeBron James has combined longevity, durability and all-around dominance at a level that remains unmatched by almost any player in league history.

A Surprising Twist as LeBron James Praises Jokic as the Most Complete Player He Has Ever Faced

Just when the backlash seemed one sided, LeBron James stepped in with a surprising take.

On his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, LeBron said:

“There’s not a more complete, dominant player I’ve ever faced. Passing, shooting, rebounding, drawing attention, he does everything. There is nothing he cannot do offensively.”

This is an extraordinary compliment from a four-time NBA champion who has competed against Tim Duncan, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Dirk Nowitzki and many of the greatest big men and scorers of all time.

LeBron’s praise does not mean that Nikola Jokic is the GOAT, but it validates Jokic’s rare blend of skills and his historic completeness as a modern superstar.

Jokic vs LeBron: A Rivalry With Playoff History

Although LeBron James has openly acknowledged Nikola Jokic’s brilliance, their postseason battles tell a story of two stars clashing at the highest competitive level. The NBA playoffs have provided multiple intense moments that shaped their rivalry.

In the 2022–23 and 2023–24 playoffs, Jokic and the Denver Nuggets eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers. Jokic produced triple-double averages, elite playmaking, and overwhelming offensive dominance, making the Nuggets extremely difficult to stop.

However, the rivalry also includes a major win for LeBron James. In the 2019–20 Western Conference Finals, LeBron led the Lakers past Jokic’s Nuggets, eventually winning the NBA championship and strengthening his already legendary postseason résumé.

These battles prove that the Jokic and LeBron rivalry is grounded in real, high-stakes competition rather than hypothetical comparison.

Jokic’s Video Game Numbers and Why Fans and Analysts Are Hyping Him

A major factor fueling the GOAT debate is Nikola Jokic’s borderline unbelievable statistical production. His current averages of 28.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 10.9 assists appear almost unreal, as if ripped straight from a video game.

Jokic’s pacing, timing, touch, and world-class playmaking allow him to dismantle defenses with ease. His ability to elevate teammates with flawless passing has become a signature part of his dominance.

Many analysts believe Jokic is redefining what it means to be a center in the modern NBA. His combination of touch, strength, creativity, and consistency has created a new blueprint for superstar dominance that no big man in history has ever matched.

Stan Van Gundy’s Argument and Why He Believes Jokic Might Be the GOAT

Stan Van Gundy’s argument stems from an analytics-driven understanding of how basketball has evolved. Modern players benefit from superior training, nutrition, conditioning, and advanced strategy, allowing them to achieve levels of efficiency never seen in earlier eras.

Van Gundy sees Nikola Jokic as the perfect expression of positionless basketball. Jokic’s ability to shoot, pass, handle the ball, and read defenses at an elite level places him at the forefront of the sport’s evolution. His advanced metrics, including PER, BPM, and WS per 48, support the idea that he may be historically unmatched in efficiency.

To Van Gundy, suggesting Jokic might be the GOAT is not disrespect to the legends of the past. Instead, it reflects how far the sport and its athletes have progressed.

Why Fans and Former Players Took Issue With the GOAT Statement

Despite Van Gundy’s reasoning, many fans and former players found the claim premature. The GOAT conversation has long been reserved for names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant, whose careers were defined by decades of dominance and multiple championships.

Another issue is Jokic’s championship count. Although he is a three-time MVP, Finals MVP, and champion, he currently has only one NBA title, which is significantly fewer than most GOAT-level candidates.

Former players, including Metta World Peace and Markieff Morris, argue that greatness cannot be measured only through efficiency or statistics. Era differences, physical battles, and championship pressure matter at least as much as advanced numbers.

What This Debate Says About the NBA Today

The heated discussion around Nikola Jokic’s GOAT status reflects broader shifts in the modern NBA. The league is now more skilled than ever, with big men like Joel Embiid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Victor Wembanyama demonstrating abilities once seen only in guards.

Narratives also move quickly. A single viral moment, a dramatic performance, or a bold analyst comment can change public perception within hours. The media landscape amplifies every conversation, ensuring debates like this spread rapidly.

Despite this rapid evolution, one truth remains unchanged. GOAT status takes time. It demands longevity, consistency, championships, and a legacy built across decades, not temporary bursts of excellence.

Is Jokic on a Realistic Path Toward GOAT Territory

If potential alone is considered, Nikola Jokic is clearly on a trajectory that could carry him into the GOAT conversation. With multiple MVP awards, a Finals MVP, a championship, and historic efficiency, he already has a foundation that rivals many legends.

But true GOAT status requires more championships, more iconic moments, and far more time. The greatest players dominated for 15 to 20 years. Jokic will need similar longevity and sustained success.

If the Denver Nuggets win another NBA championship soon, the debate will intensify. And if Jokic eventually reaches four or five titles, his name will almost certainly enter the highest tier of basketball greatness.

Why This Debate Isn’t Going Away Anytime Soon

The clash between Stan Van Gundy and Metta World Peace has ignited one of the most passionate debates in the NBA. Whether Nikola Jokic will ultimately become the GOAT is still unknown, but what is certain is that he has already transformed the conversation around greatness.

With his unprecedented blend of vision, skills, and efficiency, Jokic is forcing analysts, fans, and former players to rethink the limits of what a superstar can be. He is not the greatest ever, at least not yet, but he is rewriting the standards of excellence in today’s NBA.

One thing is undeniable. The debate surrounding Nikola Jokic is nowhere near ending. In fact, it is only just beginning.