© Jed JacobsohnScottie Pippen of the Chicago team celebrates after sinking a half-court shot in the Haier Shooting Stars Competition during NBA All-Star

Scottie Pippen is widely regarded as one of the greatest two-way players in NBA history, best known for his pivotal role alongside Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls‘ six championship runs during the 1990s. A seven-time All-Star and one of the most versatile defenders the game has ever seen, Pippen’s legacy is firmly cemented in basketball history. Recently, the Hall of Famer sparked debate when he revealed his all-time starting five, notably leaving out LeBron James.

In 2022, Pippen made an appearance on the Trash Talk podcast, where he discussed his book Unguarded, which had already stirred up some controversy. Toward the end of the interview, the host asked the six-time NBA champion who he would include in his all-time starting five.

“I will take myself, Michael Jordan, Magic, give me Charles Barkley,” Pippen began. “I’ll take Shaq … No, no, no. You know what? Get rid of Barkley, give me Giannis. It’s Giannis at the four, and then give me Shaq at the five.”

Fans quickly reacted to Pippen’s lineup, with one glaring omission standing out: Where is LeBron James? The four-time NBA champion is widely considered one of the greatest players in basketball history, often compared to Jordan in GOAT discussions. Yet Pippen not only excluded LeBron from his list, but he also picked Giannis Antetokounmpo over other legendary power forwards like Karl Malone.

Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors defends against LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals.

A change of heart?

Later in 2022, Pippen was once again asked to name his all-time starting five, and while he stuck with himself, his response carried a more self-assured—if not arrogant—tone.

“I would take me, Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and give me two of anybody,” Pippen told The Spun. However, he then adjusted his response, naming two other players from the Bulls’ dynasty years.

“You know what, I’ll take Toni Kukoč and Ron Harper,” Pippen added. “I think that’s the greatest team of all time.” This statement reinforced Pippen’s unwavering belief in the dominance of the 1990s Bulls, a team that won six titles under his and Jordan’s leadership. And once again, LeBron James was left off the list.

Leaving LeBron out—again

Pippen’s omission of LeBron isn’t new. Back in 2019, during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman, he was asked if he agreed with a modern all-time starting five consisting of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James. His response caught many by surprise.

“I know people would hate me for this, but I’d probably go with Tim Duncan,” Pippen said, replacing LeBron with the five-time champion and Spurs legend. Notably, he didn’t challenge the inclusion of Curry, Durant, or Jordan but instead made the change at the power forward spot, prioritizing Duncan over LeBron without hesitation.

A subtle jab or personal preference?

Whether his repeated exclusion of LeBron James is a subtle dig or simply personal preference, Pippen has made it clear over the years that he doesn’t view LeBron as an automatic pick in an NBA all-time lineup. Given his history of outspoken comments, it’s likely this debate won’t end anytime soon.