The debate over who is the greatest NBA player of all time usually centers on Michael Jordan versus LeBron James.
James is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history and always at a very high level as he is about to turn 40. James has 4 titles with 3 different teams (The Los Angeles Lakers, The Cleveland CavaliersAnd Miami Heat). Jordan, now second on the list of scorers, has 6 titles with the The Chicago Bulls — and hasn’t lost any of his NBA Finals series, including two straight three-peat series. James has lost 6 NBA Finals games.
Jordan retired at age 40. He played 15 seasons against James, who is in his 22nd. In his final season with the Washington WizardsJordan averaged 20.0 points per game, 6.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Last season with the Lakers, James averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists.
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We can go on and on about the numbers and how Jordan played in a more physical era—a common foul back then could easily be egregious today. But when you look at the physical specimen of Lakers forward James, who stands 6’1″ and weighs 250 pounds, it’s hard to argue that he wouldn’t have dominated the NBA in the 1980s and 1990s. James is a beast in the gym and has a legendary routine.
LeBron on IG: 5am workouts pic.twitter.com/y6pzQELoqF
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 11, 2022
At the Olympics, James was voted MVP and was regularly seen intimidating the best international players.
Wemby is too small. When you take on the King, you better not miss. LeBron James… too big, too strong, too skilled. pic.twitter.com/8McndShOYV
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) August 10, 2024
Jordan played his entire career at 6’6″ and 210 lbs. The Bulls Hall of Famer was known for his intense play on both sides of the ball, yet few were as graceful as His Airness.
Michael Jordan won the 1988 Dunk Contest over Dominique Wilkins with an iconic dunk from the free throw line that remains one of the greatest in the history of the event.#NBA #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/qyx87kXueo
— Jordan’s Rules (@Rules23Jordan) June 14, 2022
This dunk never gets old.
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The debate over how to compare the two men could go on forever. But when you look at this side-by-side photo of them shirtless, it’s clear that James is simply built differently.
There are people who think that LeBron would not have survived the physical frenzy of the 80s/90s 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/u7FBrXKfka
—BronMuse (@BronMuse) August 20, 2024
Jordan’s career is over and James is still writing the final chapter of his legacy, but the two will forever be compared to each other and debates like this will generate tons of views – and that’s what makes sports so great.
