The LeBron James Michael Jordan GOAT debate has been a fixture of NBA conversation for the better part of two decades. It has survived championship runs, Finals losses, record books being rewritten, and approximately one million barbershop arguments. At 41, with his playing days winding down, LeBron is addressing the topic.
In a wide-ranging series of interviews with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin conducted during the season, LeBron addressed the comparison head-on – and landed on five words that cut straight to the heart of it. “Our games are totally different,” James said.
“I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different. I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life. I have always looked for the pass. MJ kind of looked for the shot. Not kind of, he did. He looked for the shot. There are a lot of things where I would say my game is a lot different and a little better than his, but s—, he was f—ing great. We’re both great. We’re both great basketball players.”
LeBron Sings Jordan’s Praises
LeBron acknowledged specific things Jordan did better, including his midrange jumper, his post game, and his will to win. Jordan’s 6-0 Finals record and his dominance in the statistics that matter most are well-documented.
“Obviously, his post game was elite. His will to win. I think that is a trait that we all know and that we all wanted to be like. His determination to win.”
Tracy McGrady and Shannon Sharpe have both spoken to Jordan’s almost mythological aura, the sense that he existed on a different plane. LeBron acknowledged that.
“He did so many things great. I grew up f—ing analyzing everything that he did. How he could get to his spot and rise up above everybody.”
Lose In First Round or Finals?
LeBron was not completely humble, however. He also stated plainly that there are areas where he has the edge.
James also addressed the 4-6 Finals record that critics routinely use against him.
“People will really rather you not make the playoffs or lose in the first round than to lose in the Finals, which is crazy to me,” he said.
He followed it up by reminding everyone that he’s also the fastest player in NBA history to reach 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 career points.
The generational divide in this debate has never really been about facts. In LeBron’s case, he has eight straight Finals appearances, 23 seasons, and the all-time scoring record.
“I think I am one of one,” James said.
Not to say that makes him superior to Jordan. He added, “And MJ, as well. A f—ing unbelievable basketball player.”
The LeBron James Michael Jordan GOAT debate looks unlikely to be settled anytime soon.
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