Ainge on LeBron calling himself the GOAT: Maybe he's taking the Trump approach

Boston Celtics president Danny Ainge has a hunch as to why LeBron James declared himself the greatest player of all time after winning the 2016 Finals: self-promotion.

"His career's not over," Ainge said on 98.5 The Sports Hub's "Toucher & Rich" Thursday, according to NBC Sports Boston's Darren Hartwell. "I'd just like to - why he's saying that, I don't know. Maybe he thinks that that sells. Maybe he's taking the Donald Trump approach and trying to sell himself. I don't know."

Here is the conversation that led to Ainge's comments:

James certainly has some stake in the GOAT debate. After all, through 16 seasons, the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft has averaged 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists for his career - with three titles, six additional Finals appearances, and 14 All-NBA selections for good measure.

"Obviously LeBron is in every conversation with who is the greatest player of all time," Ainge added. "But time will tell. I don't know if anyone knows who the greatest of all time is, because the years are so different."

One thing Ainge is certain about, however, is that LeBron has passed his former teammate Larry Bird in the all-time rankings.

"LeBron went to the Finals," he said. "I would have to say (he's better than Larry Bird), just because he was able to have more durability and play at a top level of his game for longer."