Did the NBA admit Michael Jordan is the GOAT over LeBron James? Social media reacts to new MVP trophy

Carlan Gay

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Did the NBA admit Michael Jordan is the GOAT over LeBron James? Social media reacts to new MVP trophy image

Who's better: LeBron James or Michael Jordan?

The debate that still echoes through every sports bar, grinds barbershop production to a halt and has carried sports talk shows to new heights may finally have its answer. 

On Tuesday, the NBA revealed five new trophies and renamed end-of-season awards after some of the league's greatest players. The league's Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year awards all have been rebranded and named after members of the NBA's 75th-anniversary team.

  • The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for Defensive Player of the Year
  • The Wilt Chamberlain Trophy for Rookie of the Year
  • The John Havlicek Trophy for Sixth Man of the Year
  • The George Mikan Trophy for Most Improved Player

Jerry West, whose likeness many believe is the current NBA logo, got a new award named Clutch Player of the Year in his honor. 

But the focus on social media was on one award: the newly minted Michael Jordan Trophy, which will be given to the league's MVP each year. 

MORE: MJ vs. LeBron: The key stats you need to know in the GOAT debate

We all know MJ's credentials. Five-time league MVP, six-time Finals MVP and six-time NBA champion. Widely regarded as the best player to ever do it to many. But does this mean that the league finally agrees?

As usual, Twitter had thoughts, and LeBron supporters aren't going down without a fight. 

Carlan Gay

Carlan Gay Photo

Carlan Gay is an assistant managing editor at The Sporting News with a focus on the NFL, NBA, College & global sports. Carlan is also a play-by-play announcer for FIBA calling games on the international level since 2017.

You can follow Carlan on Twitter at @TheCarlanGay.