The one sports debate that can cause fights, broken friendships and divorces is LeBron vs Michael Jordan. These legends are considered the two best players in the history of the game. Michael Jordan was a larger-than-life figure. He was and still is basketball's biggest icon his sneakers sell out more than any current player and happens to be a billionaire. Michael Jordan in his career never lost a championship game or series not only in the NBA but in college. In the 1982 NCAA Championship Michael Jordan nailed a mid-range jumper to win the championship a skinny freshman was chosen to take the shot and he made it. His fearlessness and clutch performances translated to the NBA. Jordan cut the throats of several teams nailing game winners and coming up huge in the biggest moments he won 6 titles, 6 Finals MVPS and never lost an NBA Finals.
LeBron on the other hand came into this league as an 18-year-old kid with the weight of the world on him. He was the most hyped high school athlete since Lew Alcindor now known as Kareem Abdul Jabar. He came into the league with a grown man body as a teenager. With the athleticism of a Bo Jackson the passing ability of a Magic Johnson add that to the fact that he can score 40-50 points at any time. He's different very different we've never seen a player like this who's had the weight of the world on him for 21 years now. He's led his team to the finals 10 times 8 of those times in a row. He's a four-time champion with 4 finals MVP's and the only player to win 3 finals MVPs with 3 different teams.
So, who is the GOAT? I broke this down in different categories Scoring, Leadership, Longevity, Peak, Passing, Defense, Athleticism, Clutch, Accolades. Let's see what the results are.
Scoring
This category is closer than many think. Michael Jordan has the highest scoring average in NBA history with 30.1. He's a ten-time scoring champion winning 7 of them in a row. He has the second highest scoring average in a season with 37 points a game. He averaged 30 for 10 seasons. In his first season he was second in scoring averaging 28 points a game. He has the second most 50-point games in NBA history with 31 and has four 60-point performances including a 69-point 18 rebound performance against Cleveland on March 28th 1990. In the playoffs he averaged 33 points a game and in the NBA Finals he averaged 34 points a game. Jordan has so many legendary scoring outputs in the playoffs such as the 63-point performance against Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. Bird described Jordan that day as "God in sneakers". Jordan averaged 41 points in the 1993 NBA Finals the most points per game in NBA Finals history. He scored 55 points in a game 4 victory. Imagine how twitter would react today if someone scored 55 in the finals? Jordan was just a thirsty scorer he knew nobody could stop him and his mid-range game was automatic. He would glide in the air and soar over defenders earning the name "His Airness". Jordan could finish with both hands and his acrobatic dunks and layups would tear the house down. Later in his career he added a low post game that made him more unstoppable. LeBron is not a score first player, but he can score with the best of them. His career average is 27 points a game and he is currently second as the all-time leading scorer. He has the most playoff points of all time. LeBron at 6'9 260 pounds scores at the rim better than anyone in history. LeBron adds something to his game every year. He can now score from anywhere on the court. He could score from the post, knock down threes, score in the mid-range and finish with both hands. If I had to give the edge to one player in the scoring category, I would slightly give the nod to Jordan. It's hard to argue with 7 straight scoring titles and 10 overall while having the highest scoring average in NBA history.
Scoring: Jordan
Passing
This category isn't that close Jordan is a good passer when he chose to be. In fact during the 1988-1989 season Bull coach Doug Collins tried Jordan at the point guard position for 11 games and he averaged a 30-point triple double. That is impressive but not as impressive as LeBron leading the league in assist at 35 years old or his 7-assist average for his career. The most by a small forward in NBA history. LeBron makes breath taking passes and it doesn't matter who he's passing to he just makes players better just by being on the floor. Playing with LeBron is a shooters dream you're going to get open shots playing with him. Michael Jordan played point guard for 11 games LeBron played point guard for an entire season and led his team to a championship doing so. He's the only player to average a triple double for an entire NBA Finals series. As many say Bron is a great scorer, but his best attribute is passing.
Passing: LeBron
Defense
You can't argue with a defensive player of the year. So, its Jordan case closed. Not so fast Michael Jordan is a great defender probably the best wing defender of his generation. But if you look at the players, he was guarding they weren't as good as the players LeBron has had to guard. Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George are better than any player Jordan guarded in the 90's and that's just the wings. LeBron has guarded power forwards and point guards. He completely shut down Derrick Rose in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals. LeBron was robbed of Defensive Player of the Year twice 2012 and 2013. Michael Jordan has more All NBA First Teams but at their best LeBron was the better defender and he was mostly the best defender on the team unlike Jordan who played with Scottie Pippen who was the one to guard Magic Johnson in the 1991 NBA Finals.
Defense: LeBron
Athlete
Both of these individuals aren't just the best basketball players of all time they are also two of the best athletes' sports has ever seen. Michael Jordan has the highest vertical leap in NBA history with 48 inches. It seemed like Michael Jordan could fly he jumped so effortlessly, and he would dunk on you so hard. Michael Jordan won two dunk contests in spectacular fashion. Kissing the rim, rocking the cradle and dunking from the free throw line spreading his legs, tongue in the air and extending his right arm a pose that would make him billions. Jordan's athleticism was graceful, poetic beautiful just like the rest of his game. He was quick on his feet and was one of the strongest players in the league. Not to mention if he continued to stay retired and played baseball he would have ended up in the majors. We've never seen an athlete like LeBron he's about 6'9 260 runs like a gazelle, built like brick house and jumps out the gym. His vertical leap was 44 inches not as high as Jordan, but he is faster and stronger athlete. He was an all-state football player as a wide receiver and probably could have been a pro bowl tight end if he wanted to. LeBron has also been a better athlete than Jordan for a longer time. By the time Jordan was 35 he wasn't nearly the athlete LeBron was at the same age. Part of that is technology and the other part is LeBron takes better care of his body. But even at his peak LeBron was the better athlete he could post up and dunk on big men while out running most guards.
Athlete: LeBron
Clutch
Growing up all I would hear is LeBron doesn't have the clutch gene he's not a killer he can't win big games. Year by year he destroyed that narrative. He now has the most buzzer beaters in playoff history. He has the highest points per game average in game 7 history. And he has put on some of the best playoff performances in NBA History. Game 6 vs Boston at TD Garden Bron put on a legendary performance down 3-2. He scored 45 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. At 22 against the Detroit Pistons LeBron scored 48 points including his teams last 25 points. There are countless other performances like this in the biggest moments LeBron shows up. Just like Michael Jordan when the game is on the line you want the ball in Jordan's hands. He's broken the hearts of so many teams like Cleveland in the 1989 playoffs. He hit the game winning shot over Craig Eloh to end the Cavs season. That famous bucket was dubbed "the shot". In his final season with the Bulls in 1998 the Bulls were taking on the Utah Jazz in Utah game 6 of the NBA Finals. The game was tied 83-83 in the fourth quarter after draining two free throws. Jordan stole the ball from Karl Malone. He took the ball down the court and sized up Byron Russel, drove middle he crossed up Russel giving him space and rose up for a jumper. The eyes of the Utah Jazz fans were scared as they knew their chances of winning a championship was over. Jordan knocked down the shot and cut out the hearts of the city of Utah. Scoring 45 points to win his 6th championship and complete his 3rd threepeat.
Clutch: Jordan
Leadership
Both these players are great leaders but they lead in two different ways Jordan was more in your face he intimidated his teammates and he enjoyed it. He teammates respected him but mostly feared him. He constantly challenged their manhood and ridiculed them until they raised their game. He would sometimes even get physical with them. Jordan once punched Steve Kerr in the face during practice he definitely wasn't a nice guy. Jordan dedicated his life to winning and he wanted his teammates to have that same desire to win games like he had. One thing about Jordan though was he would never ask his teammates to do something that he wouldn't. His dedication to the sport was unmatched and he earned the respect of his teammates with hard work he was willing to get his hands dirty so he felt they should too.
LeBron is also a great leader and has that same work ethic. First in the gym last to leave. LeBron is always making sure his teammates feel included. Whether it's giving them gifts or organizing team events LeBron loves his teammates and understands the importance of team chemistry. But he like Jordan can be demanding and won't hesitate to sub tweet you on social media when you're not getting the job done. But he has shown time and time again the ability to raise the game of everyone around him. At 18 years old he had to come into the league and be a leader of grown men. Men who were skeptical of him maybe even jealous. LeBron earned their respect and has been able to be the leader of championship teams. Both of these men have won on the highest stage partly because of their leadership and their ability to get guys to buy in to what's better for the team.
Longevity
The L in LeBron stands for Longjevity. Last season at age 37 LeBron averaged 30 points a game 8 rebounds and 6 assist with great efficiency. He had the greatest year 19 year by anyone in NBA history. He's also had the greatest year 13,14,15,16,17 and 18 by anyone in NBA history. He continues to get better and improve year by year. Offensively he is more skilled than ever before he's able to knock down three pointers consistently from anywhere on the floor. He's still playing at an MVP level and he's almost 40. Jordan was retired at age 35 and when he returned to play for the Wizards, he wasn't nearly the same. LeBron isn't quite as fast and doesn't jump as high as he once did but he's still more athletic than 90 percent of the league as his skills continue to improve, he could play until he doesn't want to, and be dominant until he retires. He is the oldest player to lead the league in a statistical category (assists 2020). LeBron won his first championship when I entered high school and won his fourth championship the year I graduated college. He's been to the finals 8 straight times and 9 in ten years. LeBron has been dominant through the term of four different presidents he's the only player to do that.
Longevity: LeBron
Peak
To answer this question, I'll dissect the best 5 year stretch from each of their careers.
Jordan: 1988-1993: 32.4 ppg 6.6 reb 6.4 assist, Three-time champion (3 peat) Three-time MVP Five time All Star, Three time All NBA First team. Five time All NBA First team defense, Five Time Scoring Champion, Three-time steals leader, All-star MVP, Three-time Finals MVP, Dunk contest champion, Olympic Gold Medalist
LeBron: 2012-2016: 26 ppg 7.4 reb 7.2, Three-time champion, Three-time finals MVP, Two-time League MVP, Five-time All Star, Five-time All-NBA first team, Two-time AP Athlete of the year, Two-time All-NBA first team Defense, Olympic Gold Medalist, Five straight finals appearances.
Jordan's peak isn't just the greatest peak in NBA history you could argue it's the greatest peak in Sports History. He was amazing during that stretch and became a cultural icon. He conquered basketball. He was the best scorer in the league as well as a top 3 defender in the league. He finally got through the Bad Boy Pistons and defeated Magic Johnson in the finals who passed the torch to him to become the face of the league. He just had a strangle hold on the league something we would never see since. He turned the narrative around that he only scores points to becoming the ultimate winner. From 91-93 you knew the Bulls would win the championship because he was on the team. He had 2 of the best seasons in NBA history during that stretch his 1988 season and his 1991 season. In 1988 wearing his famous Jordan threes was the first year he became the best basketball player on earth without question he averaged 32 points 8 rebounds and 8 assist winning defensive player of the year and MVP. We've never seen dominance like that since. And in 1991 Jordan was determined to win his first championship after bulking up all off season to get ready for the Bad Boy Pistons. Jordan averaged 30 points 6 rebounds 6 assist and bull dozed his competition in the playoffs defeating the Lakers in five games winning the first championship of his first three peat.
LeBron started his 5-year peak on a mission to redeem himself coming off an embarrassing Finals loss LeBron came into the 2012 season a totally different player. He was in the best shape of his life and added a post-game to his bag. He also came back mentally tougher. He had to lead his team Dwade and Chris Bosh were struggling with injury and the Heat fell behind in the playoff three times. LeBron did not fold under pressure he rose above it displaying greatness. Not only that year but the next year when he had one of the best seasons in NBA History. He averaged 27 points 8 rebounds and 7 assist. That Heat team won 27 straight games and looked invincible because they had LeBron on their side. What made this year so great was his efficiency. He shot 56.5 percent from the field. In the month of February that year LeBron set an NBA record for most consecutive games with at least 30 points and 60 percent field goal percentage with six. He followed that hot streak into the playoffs as he led the Heat to the finals again. They faced a loaded Spurs team and were down 3-2 down 12 heading into the fourth quarter of game 6. LeBron scored 16 points in that quarter with the help of Ray Allen the Heat pulled out the victory. In game 7 LeBron was even better scoring 37 points and knocking down 7 threes. It was one of the greatest game 7 performances in NBA History.
This takes me to the next greatest game 7 in NBA History. In 2016 The Warriors and Steph Curry were terrorizing the league. They finished 73-9 a regular season record and met the Cavs in the finals. They were up 3-1 and everyone was counting out LeBron rightfully, so no team had ever come back from a 3-1 deficit. LeBron had other plans him and Kyrie both scored 41 points in game five on the road. LeBron followed that up with 41 points in game 6 and in game 7 he got himself a triple double it was only the second time in which someone had a triple double in game 7. He also made a game saving ridiculous block. One of the best plays in NBA history. I've never seen LeBron better than in those three games with so much at stake when it comes to his legacy he was in control. He dictated pace, made all the right plays, his jumper was falling and he was a monster defensively.
If it wasn't for Michael Jordan LeBron would have the greatest peak in history. Everything came together during that run for him. He became the leader he is today because of all he had to go through. From proving he can be a winner at the highest level to winning a title for his hometown team. He made the finals every year during that run only the Celtics from the 60's could say they made the finals five straight years not to mention he made the finals 3 more seasons after that. At the peak of their powers Jordan was more dominant though. He retired in 94 because there was nothing else to prove he had accomplished everything. LeBron could not do that because he was still catching Jordan and his legacy.
Peak: Jordan
Who is the GOAT?
There isn't any right answer to this question both players are great and the two best players to ever play the game. When it comes to who is the better all around basketball player I feel as though LeBron is. He could play any position the floor and excel at it. He could lead the league in scoring and lead the league in assist as well as being the greatest athlete to play the game. LeBron is not done yet as well. He's still elite and could win more titles. LeBron is going to finish his career with 40k points 10k rebounds and 10k assist. His legacy off the floor is just as good as his legacy on it. Building a school, putting his friends in position to be successful and his fight for social equality makes him one of one. Jordan is the most respected player ever. Everyone other than Isiah Thomas acknowledges him as the GOAT. He was respected as well as feared. He's a mythical icon who people want to know more about. Anytime I put on a pair of Jordan's I feel like I could accomplish anything whether it's getting busy on the court or crushing it at my job Jordan's just give you a look and feeling of excellence. People have paid rent reselling them. So, who is the GOAT if I had to choose, I would say LeBron I grew up with him and seen him accomplish everything people said he couldn't. But I do respect MJ and would not argue with anyone who stands by "His Airness". This debate will never die, nor should it because some debates don't have a true winner.
GOAT: You decide.
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