The debate about the greatest player in NBA history is a never-ending one and continues to divide opinions.

In recent years, it's often become a straight fight between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

The latter's exploits - reaching eight consecutive NBA Finals - have firmly placed him up there with MJ.

Team LeBron

The latest person to weigh in on the argument is Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey and he provided an interesting take.

According to Morey, both statistically and to the naked eye, LeBron is the best player to ever play the game and it's not even close.

The Rockets GM is known for being an analytics guy and he believes the numbers back up his claim.

"You look at his ability to generate wins and championship probability over time, and you basically break that down," Morey said in an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show.

"You don't need all the numbers. You can watch as well and see that.

"But if you basically isolate that and also look at the career he's had, frankly I think at this point it's become a bit of a big margin, actually, where he's come out ahead. I know that's a little controversial."

It's a huge statement for Morey to make, especially given that Jordan was a perfect 6-0 in finals whereas James is currently 3-6.

These comments are sure to stir up the debate once again among fans and media analysts this week.

Up close and personal

With the King moving to the Western Conference after joining the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, Morey and the Rockets will be seeing a lot more of him.

Although he believes both Houston and the Golden State Warriors are ahead of the Lakers, he refuses to count out the four-time MVP.

"I would expect, I hope, that we're ahead of them and I would expect Golden State to be ahead of them, but I would never count out a LeBron James team. He is the greatest ever in my mind," Morey said.

The chances of the three-time champion making a ninth straight finals appearance next season appear to be extremely slim on a Lakers roster short on star quality.

But LBJ's presence alone will be enough to make them a threat and teams will not be taking them lightly.

Morey's Rockets won't wait long to come up against King James as they provide the opposition in his home debut at Staples Center.

CLICK HERE to listen to Episode Two of the new GiveMeSport NBA podcast, featuring New York Times senior writer Marc Stein. Subscribe for all future episodes.