Who is the goat — MJ or LeBron?
The GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) debate is as raging as ever. But while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson are also often considered to be the greatest of all time, the modern era of basketball has centered on two players: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Many people consider Jordan to be the better of the two. However, there is much that separates the two.
When it comes to basketball, the “GOAT” (greatest of all time) debate can be complicated. While the number of championships won may be the first indicator, how a player performs against his peers can also make a big difference in determining who is the best of all time.
The most renowned example of this is the legendary NBA Finals series. While Michael Jordan won six titles as the Chicago Bulls’ point guard, LeBron James has made it to the finals 10 times with three different teams and a variety of teammates.
While MJ was a dominant force during his time with the Bulls, James has become one of the most respected and iconic figures in sports history. His success has been attributed to his ability to create offense, his uncanny shot-making abilities, and his leadership.
Despite James’ dominance on the court, he is not immune to the pressures of the game. He has won NBA MVP awards two times and led his team to the Finals five out of the last eight seasons.
However, while James has a better win percentage than Jordan, he has not won as many games. During his career, he has played 1,371 regular-season games and has a record of 899–472.
When it comes to advanced statistics, VORP and win shares favor Jordan, while PER and box plus/minus favor James. While both players are great shooters, James is a much better rebounder and passer.
Another key factor in this debate is their ability to score in the clutch. Jordan was known for his ability to score the ball in the final seconds of play, as evidenced by his game-winning slam dunk during his last Chicago Bulls game.
In addition to scoring, MJ was an excellent two-way player who was capable of creating offense in both the post and on the wing. He was also a masterful defensive player, earning the nickname “His Airness” because of his unique technique and leaping ability.
MJ and LeBron are a classic case of two players who can’t be easily compared. They have different styles and different playing eras, and they are both legends in their own right.
Jordan was a much better player than LeBron, and most experts and commentators agree that he was the better player. He is also better recognized and has been rewarded more for his efforts.
Michael Jordan is a better player in almost all of the statistical categories that matter most to fans. He has a higher win percentage, a superior scoring average, and more career All-NBA First Team selections than LeBron.
His jump shot is also superior to LeBron’s, especially during the postseason when defenses converge on him. He had a 50% shooting percentage in three NBA Finals, while LeBron shot under 40%.
In the playoffs, Jordan averaged 5 more points per game than LeBron while averaging more steals and blocks. He was also a better perimeter defender, holding teams to 1-through-5, while LeBron could only lock down three teams in his career.
James is a great player, but his jump shot is not as reliable, and he is not physically gifted enough to handle the physical play in the East. He also lacks a solid defensive presence in the lane and is not an effective 3-point shooter.
The question of whether MJ or LeBron is the better player is a tough one to answer, as it’s a debate that will continue to be talked about in the league for years to come. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and how you feel about the two.
There are many arguments for and against MJ and LeBron, but if you’re looking for a clear winner, look no further than MJ. He is a better player overall, has more titles, and was the best in his time.