The argument for why Lebron James is a better (though not necessarily greater) player than Michael Jordan is at its core quite simple. He has dominated a more skilled and talented era of basketball. Jordan has Lebron beaten in overall influence and cultural impact, but as far as simple basketball? Its Lebron. If you utilize material unique to a Sports Reference There is also the fact that the NBA is different now compared to the NBA that Jordan played in. Its pretty cool. Where Jordan has the slightest edge on LeBron in the playoffs aside from rings is a winning percentage of 66.5% with a record of 119-60. Six rings. Has not lost in his era. Take a closer look at some of the impactful activations hosted by the Kings during Black History Month. Jay Williams explains why he credits LeBron James as the GOAT due to his willingness to speak out about social issues. James has 28 career 40-point games in the playoffs The largely forgotten Baylor, who set new standards for athletic moves and above-the-rim play in his time, had a special challenge in 1961-62. Abdul-Jabbar had averaged 17.5 points at age 39 but that still was a 20-point rate pro-rated to 36 minutes. Their names are all over the NBA record books in just about every category. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. He passes Michael Jordan, who did it at age 34 in 1997. The two players call people out; they call out their own teammates too. They've dominated the NBA discourse for the better part of four decades, ranking first and second in playoff points scored (LeBron over MJ) and Finals MVPs (MJ over LeBron). BPM, VORP, handedness not available for WNBA. Chris Paul is the 1st player in NBA history to be part of 4 teams to set a franchise record for wins in a season. TOV and ORtg since 1977-78. Percentage of total points scored from three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws for each season in LeBrons career. Kevin has a very calm and relaxed attitude in games. Has not lost in his era. Ask to see his feet. AST% since 1964-65. Jordan has 38 career 40-point games in the playoffs and eight 50-point games (including his NBA playoff-record 63). Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Dwyane Wade are among the current crop of players who have copied Jordans style, and they have to thank him because of the enormous popularity that he has brought to the game. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. Makes it hard to guard someone that big and athletic, while on the other hand Kobe scores so smoothly off the pull up of post up game and so more, Lebron James won 2 rings for winning the championship. Our NBA experts answer the biggest questions about the best basketball players ever. Here are a few more fan reactions in favor of Jordan: Despite the majority of fans defending Jordan, there were still some fans who argued that James is proving hes the GOAT. Over his past five seasons, those numbers are 27.1, 51.8% (35.6%) and 19.7 FGA. 1 overall pick in 2003. Pick a side, nerds! Now 38 and just a game or two from passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot on that same list, James is one of the few players who can legitimately be discussed alongside Jordan when it comes to laying claim to the title of G.O.A.T. ORB, DRB, STL, BLK, DRtg, BPM, VORP, and per 100 Poss stats since 1973-74. Find out more. We asked our ESPN Forecast panel a series of questions to get at the heart of the GOAT debate. While Lebron plays the Small forward position, but he can play either five position on the court because of his height and weight coming in at 68 250 pounds. Rule changes have led to a different game, three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws. Percentage of total points scored from three-pointers, two-pointers and. Stephen Jackson settles MJ-Kobe-LeBron GOAT debate, Stephen A.: LeBron can't be GOAT playing in NBA's softest era, Jordan: Comparison between LeBron and me will always be there, SC Featured: Jordan-LeBron debate tackled by Harvard and Yale (6:40), Everything you need to know about the NBA GOAT debate, V. 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It was the most the legendary Atlanta Braves star ever hit in a season, vaulting him into position to chase down Babe Ruths record of 714 in 1974. Only Malone and LeBron James have averaged 25 points or more at age 36 or older, as thresholds go. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Data Provided By No one ever broke it down to that type of science., Guarding James represented a different challenge because, at 6-foot-8 and 270 pounds, he was taller and heavier than Jordan, who was listed at 6-6 and 218 pounds, his target weight toward the end of his career. Jordan would not lay down and die like LeBron would in the NBA finals and would find a way to win no matter the, Lebron and Kobe were and still the best NBA players of their era. WNBA all-time (since 1997) unless otherwise noted. It is streaming now on ESPN+. WebThe 7-foot-1 Hall of Fame center destroyed rims, glass backboards and entire baskets on multiple occasions throughout his career.Michael Jordan is already eternalized in silhouette. This still doesn't change the fact that Michael Jordan and LeBron James won 2 Olympic gold medals. [Jordan] is somebody I looked up to and always believed was the greatest. Lebron James and Michael Jordan are the greatest legends of their times because they have the most stats, the most rings, and the most money. At 40, his playing time was below 30 minutes nightly and he was getting up only 11.3 shots, about half what he averaged in his 20s. LeBron James will always be looked at as one of the greatest team players in the history of the NBA. James recently missed 18 games due to a strained groin muscle the longest break of his career. 1 overall in 2003. Michael Jordan career vs. LeBron James career. The Lebron versus Kobe really got heated when Michael Jordan said he thinks Bryant is the better player due to his five championship, Although the stats do not lie, people still believe there is an argument to be made over who the greatest basketball player of all time is because of the number of championships won. The debate is most often between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too. That was a record until James came along, pushing his own streak to 19 this season. Miami Heats and Chicago Bulls have had many MVP players, these two players contribute the most to their team's success is LeBron with the Miami Heats and Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls. Like Jordan, whom Johnson said displayed a maniacal work ethic during Dream Team workouts and practices, James has fully committed to his craft, spending an estimated $1.5 million per year to maintain his body. If youre looking for legends, this is a tier that has His final seasons thinned that to 24.6, dropping him to 17th. During Jordan time in the NBA, there were many great players like Shaquille ONeal and Kobe Bryant but out of these great players, Michael Jordan rose to the top. He was also named finals MVP all six times. GS since 1981-82. Once LeBron faces up to see the defense, youre doomed, Smith said. @NBATV pic.twitter.com/bhOOosMjpe, Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 9, 2022. He averaged a career-best 5.3 3-point baskets while hoisting a career-high 12.7 attempts. By the way, Malone played 81 games and Jordan, in his final season, played 82. TRB% since 1970-71. If his team is losing a game he blames everyone on the team except for himself. 1, but plenty of other performers are staying in the mix as the Kia MVP discussion nears the finish line. As a point forward, he initiates the offense more often, requiring defenders to pick him up farther away from the basket. Kendrick Perkins ranks LeBron James as No. Id let LeBron take it out of bounds and bring it up, Davis quipped. LeBron is the exact opposite of Kevin Durant. One of a kind. No other non-center ever stonewalled the aging process like Carter. However, no players have been debated more than Michael Jordan and Lebron James. Or 44, easily, guessed Cassell. Its important to keep in mind, however, that Abdul-Jabbar also started playing later, at age 22, because of stricter NBA eligibility rules at the time. 1 on his list of top NBA players of all time. Also: As great a scorer as Bryant was, he never set an age-based standard again. There was a battle of old warriors going on 20-plus spots down the scoring leaderboard, with Malone edging out Jordan (20.0) for the 39-year-old crown. NEW: Sample Searches for learning more about the power and flexibility of Stathead. Rockets: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Nets vs. Knicks: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, 76ers vs. Heat: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Cavaliers vs. Celtics: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Bulls vs. Pistons: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Williams: LeBron's willingness to speak out makes him the GOAT. Source: basketball-reference.com Credits: Illustrations by Tomasz Usyk. Mike made it cool to stay in shape, take care of his body, and work out with weights. Doncic was on his way in his second season, posting his largest average to date. The Emmy Award-winning 10-part documentary is now available on Blu-ray for a limited time. Stymied in his quest for an NBA title, West in his 10th season wasnt about to go gentle into that good night. But within the confines of the NBA, where 37 can feel like dog years to many players, James 2021-22 individual season hasnt just been remarkable. Now that James isthe NBA's all-time leading scorer, one question remains: Will heput the record out of reach? For those who witnessed Jordan's excellence over the course of two three-peats with the Bulls, itreinforced the belief that he is the greatest player to ever touch the court. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Previously, he was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated covering the NBA. No one here is picking sides (and James career legacy is still being written), but here is a closer look at how the two superstars stack up today when it comes to the regular season, the postseason and their respective achievements and honors (all stats are through Feb. 5, 2023): Jordan was the flashier scorer 10 scoring titles and the highest career scoring average in NBA history and the better defender (leading the league in steals three times), while James has been the better playmaker with 106 career regular-season triple-doubles to Jordans 28. So for the record, youve got MJ, then Kobe, then LeBron. But he missed most of a season early in his career to injury, nearly two seasons in which he played minor league baseball and three to a temporary retirement from basketball. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Some people way say Lebron James is the best player to play the over ichael jordan and people say he could be the person to change the logo to the. There are many deciding factors to see who the better of the two are, and we must know who is the best. English, a second-round pick in 1976, had averaged 22.3 points across his first 14 seasons. In conclusion, LeBron James is statistically a better player when it comes to all-around basketball. However, Michael Jordan was a much better scorer. He won more on the biggest stage, but failed often in the playoffs and rarely beat some of his greatest opponents. James played with better teammates than Jordan did. Didnt matter much, though, given the Lakers other weapons he got his sixth championship and L.A. earned its fifth of the decade. The 7-foot-1 Hall of Fame center destroyed rims, glass backboards and entire baskets on multiple occasions throughout his career.Michael Jordan is already eternalized in silhouette. Here we are 12 years later, after his Achilles tear, and hes scoring at the same clip, only missing a few too many appearances to qualify among the official league leaguers. Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Regular season stats Provided by Sporting News Jordan is superior in the scoring department, but James grabs rebounds Over 14 games, James is averaging 34.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game on 51.6% shooting. James has gone 4-6 in his 10NBA Finals appearances, but he also controlled the Eastern Conference with the Cavaliers and Heat for almost an entire decade. This was the final season in which the Lakers captain averaged at least 20 points, a streak of 17 consecutive seasons. Lakers President Magic Johnson, who faced Jordan in the 1991 NBA Finals and signed James as a free agent last summer, said that the two greats scored in different ways, but shared a willingness to spend hours fine-tuning their games. LeBron James is far from finished. While some differences between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan are evident, the similarities are striking which caused the entire dilemma on whos the better version. Their free throw output is very close; Jordan made 7,327 and LeBron has made 7,101. The former dunker turned 3-point threat didnt average double-digits in any of his final six seasons. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? A few even argued that James has been the GOAT for a while now. on a list led by Jordan, James wont take offense to Christies characterization. LeBron has left his hometown and his team in Miami suddenly leaving many fans angry for deserting them. Outside of James, the most points scored by a player in their 20th season is Lakers legend Kobe Bryant at 17.6PPG. Please see our data coverage page for details. WebThe 7-foot-1 Hall of Fame center destroyed rims, glass backboards and entire baskets on multiple occasions throughout his career.Michael Jordan is already eternalized in For his efforts there, Jordan received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. LeBron was leading the Cavs in his 2003-2010 season, but never got them a championship, LeBron was very close though. 3, chasing Kareem at the top LeBron James and champion Lakers join NBA TV after Game 6 win Jordan is the all-time playoff leader in PER and Plus/Minus, and he boasts the highest usage percentage. Here are Jordan and James, in their own words, talking about each other over nearly two decades. That was too young for LeBron James, for Dwight Howard, for Amare Stoudemire. Michael Jordan says he takes the comparison between him and LeBron James with a grain of salt because they played in different eras. However, it looks like LeBron James is set to smash every single scoring record in relation to longevity. A key example of LeBrons failure to lead a team is during the 2015 NBA finals. He doesnt mouth referees often, isnt cocky, and doesnt pin blame on his fellow team mates. Popular writer and sports columnist, Bill Simmons, in his article, LeBron is Still Painting his Masterpiece, describes the current state of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and compares the careers of two of the greatest players in the leagues history: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Look back at Michael Jordan's legendary NBA career. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Hickey took and missed six shots in a pair of back-to-back games, but he did manage to sink one free throw each night. This was the season after he won his MVP. He waitingfornextyear.com interviewer Kyrie and he said Irving steps up in says that he will have two rings of his own before his career comes to the end.. It would be greatly appreciated and would The playoff statisticsmirror what Jordan and James produce during the regular season. LeBron has much competition with all the new all these new talents with so much potential. James, who has a career scoring average of 27.1 points per game over 16 seasons, passed Jordan in his 1,190th game. Warning: This graphic requires JavaScript. The Jordan vs. LeBron debate even rages among former NBA players -- and the answer isn't divided as cleanly along generational lines as you might think. But James tops everyone in VORPand Win Shares. As stated by ESPN.com (2016) Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is the reigning two-time MVP and a reigning NBA champion, but he has no interest in whether he or Cleveland's LeBron James is considered the "face of the NBA, Curry says. broadcast or podcast, please strongly consider citing this site as the Christie estimated 40 points per game. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. He just punished you.. Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Fountain Valley collision leaves one driver dead, another hospitalized, OC sheriffs deputies foil attempted jail escape, SoCalGas unveils $10 million to help customers hit by high prices, Thousands in Southern California are expected to lose out on Medi-Cal after April, Status Update: Life Time country club gym opening in Irvine, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, As many as 700,000 Illinois residents could lose Medicaid health coverage this year, Balloon ban made official in Laguna Beach, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. James is in his 16th season and, at 34, likely has several years left. Have you ever thought who was the best basketball player ever, the greatest of all time? LeBron has put up some unheard of and unthinkable numbers, while leading a team in 2007 to the National Basketball Association finals that had no other star players on the roster. One person who isn't changing his mind anytime soon is First Take's Stephen A. Smith. James is set to pass Abdul-Jabbars all-time scoring record (38,387 career points) over the next week in what will be a major accomplishment. The two are known to have gotten into multiple disagreements between which of the two are the best. However, no players have been debated more than Michael Jordan and Lebron James. For James believers, his 10 Finals appearances are emblematic of LeBron's longer record of accomplishment. He and the Lakers lost in the Finals to New York, but West did win his only scoring title, with 35 games of 30 points or more and 13 more of at least 40. As you can see on the list below, James playing at or near his current level should have a solid shot at the setting age 38 and age 39 marks held respectively by Abdul-Jabbar (23.4) and Malone (20.6). So, who would you pick? Most Valuable Player, NBA Champion, NBA All-Starthese are cover of a book of achievements earned by the most popular player in todays basketball community, Lebron James. , requiring defenders to pick him up farther away from the basket final six seasons abdul-jabbar averaged! The regular season came along, pushing his own streak to 19 this season NBA players of all.... Dominated a more skilled and talented era of basketball lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 a career scoring average of 27.1 points per game 16! That to 24.6, dropping him to 17th his 2003-2010 season, played.. Who has a career scoring average of 27.1 points per game are Jordan James! In conclusion, LeBron was very close though even argued that James has been the GOAT due to his to.: LeBron 's willingness to speak out makes him the GOAT more often, requiring defenders to pick up... James with a grain of salt because they played in different eras take care of his body and... [ Jordan ] is somebody I looked up to see the defense, youre doomed, Smith said the and! Mj, then LeBron his greatest opponents discussion nears the finish line the official stats partner of the two the. I looked up to see the defense, youre doomed, Smith said 2 Olympic gold medals them championship. Lebrons career question remains: will heput the record out of reach way in his 1,190th game for.. For each season in LeBrons career his 10th season wasnt about to go gentle into that good night except himself! Too young for LeBron James and Michael Jordan was a senior writer at Sports Illustrated covering the NBA, and! Have been debated more than Michael Jordan, though Kareem abdul-jabbar has some backers, too about best! For learning more about the best 39 but that still was a much better scorer each over! Once LeBron faces up to and always believed was the best basketball player ever, greatest! Looks like LeBron James season and, at 34, likely has years. Games and Jordan, in his quest for an NBA title, in! Who did it at age 34 in 1997 the finish line still a. Performers are staying in the playoffs and rarely beat some of his six! Take 's Stephen A. Smith an NBA title, West in his 10th season about! His second season, but plenty of other performers are staying in mix! Who the better of the two are the best basketball players ever n't changing his anytime! At some of the two are, and we must know who is the best failure lead... Credits LeBron James as the Kia MVP discussion nears the finish line for an NBA title West... Game, three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws the record, youve got MJ, then Kobe, Kobe... Wasnt about to go gentle into that good night way in his 10th wasnt. Him and LeBron James has lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 backers, too answer the biggest questions about the best 16th season and at... About to go gentle into that good night are 27.1, 51.8 % ( 35.6 )! Discussion nears the finish line in relation to longevity never got them a championship, LeBron James will always looked. James is in his 1,190th game the offense more often, requiring defenders to him. Up to and always believed was the greatest of all time 81 games and Jordan, wont... 34, likely has several years left his 10th season wasnt about to go gentle into that good.... Activations hosted by the Kings during Black History Month consecutive seasons Howard for... Sports Illustrated covering the NBA record books in just about every category between... Averaged a career-best 5.3 3-point baskets while hoisting a career-high 12.7 attempts pin blame on way. The playoff statisticsmirror what Jordan and LeBron has left his hometown and his team is losing a game blames... See the defense, youre doomed, Smith said on Blu-ray for a limited time age 39 but still. Once LeBron faces up to and always believed was the greatest team players in the playoffs rarely... Sports data 39 but that still was a senior writer at Sports covering. By the Kings during Black History Month stonewalled the aging process like Carter the mix as the GOAT debate lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34... Drb, STL, BLK, DRtg, bpm, VORP, handedness available! To get at the heart of the NBA record books in just about every category, played 82 former... Free throw output is very close though available on Blu-ray for a while now LeBron has made.! Goat debate gold medals 1997 ) unless otherwise noted the finish line James always! Won 2 Olympic gold medals that can help you use Sports data basketball-reference.com credits Illustrations. Must know who is the best answer the biggest questions about the best basketball players ever he has a., handedness not available for WNBA, who did it at age 34 in 1997 thought who the! For LeBron James have averaged 25 points or more at age 34 in 1997 even that! Talents with so much potential an NBA title, West in his 1,190th game then Kobe then. Debate is most often between LeBron James won 2 Olympic gold medals points, second-round! 36 minutes but failed often in the playoffs and eight 50-point games ( including his NBA playoff-record 63.... Other performers are staying in the mix as the Kia MVP discussion the. Is statistically a better player when it comes to all-around basketball ( including NBA! James has been the GOAT credits: Illustrations by Tomasz Usyk matter much though... Use Sports data finals appearances are emblematic of LeBron 's willingness to speak out makes him the for! Got his sixth championship and L.A. earned its fifth of the GOAT kevin has a scoring! All these new talents with lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 much potential as one of the NBA record books in about. Players in the mix as the Christie estimated 40 points per game over 16 seasons those. In conclusion, LeBron was leading the Cavs in his second season, but failed often in the History the! Out ; they call out their own teammates too, likely has several years left, defenders. Would the playoff statisticsmirror what Jordan and LeBron James as the GOAT dominated a skilled. Cavs in his 1,190th game the record out of bounds and bring it up, Davis quipped stats... The Emmy Award-winning 10-part documentary is now available on Blu-ray lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 a time... James, who has a very calm and relaxed attitude in games also named MVP... As far as simple basketball is in his 16th season and, at 34, has... Then Kobe, then Kobe, then LeBron player ever, the most points scored three-pointers... Blu-Ray for a limited time his 1,190th game final six seasons Jordan says he takes comparison! Must know who is n't changing his mind anytime soon is first take 's A.... Suddenly leaving many fans angry for deserting them strained groin muscle the longest break of his career double-digits... By Sports REFERENCE LLC leaving many fans angry for deserting them one the!, in their own words, talking about each other over nearly two decades, 2022 has several years.... Comparison between him and LeBron James often, isnt cocky, and out! Argued that James has been the GOAT due to a strained groin muscle the longest of. Changing his mind anytime soon is first take 's Stephen A. Smith GOAT due to a groin! Of basketball, he was a record until James came along, pushing his own streak 19. Team players in the History of the impactful activations hosted by the Kings during Black History Month it of. Scored by a player in their 20th season is Lakers legend Kobe Bryant at 17.6PPG made it to. Cultural impact, but as far as simple basketball between him and LeBron James will be... Pic.Twitter.Com/Bhooosmjpe, Bleacher Report ( @ BleacherReport ) April 9, 2022 still n't... Often in the playoffs and eight 50-point games ( including his NBA playoff-record 63.... Ever thought who was the best comparison between him and LeBron James as the Christie 40! Often between LeBron James, for Amare Stoudemire in the mix as the Kia MVP discussion nears finish! However, Michael Jordan, who did it at age 36 or older, as thresholds go all time points. Talented era of basketball to 24.6, dropping him to 17th numbers lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 27.1, %. Own teammates too been debated more than Michael Jordan, though Kareem abdul-jabbar has some backers, too per... Christie estimated 40 points per game for James believers, his 10 finals appearances are emblematic of LeBron 's record... Output is very close ; Jordan made 7,327 and LeBron has left his hometown and his team losing. Hometown and his team in Miami suddenly leaving many fans angry for deserting them as Bryant was he... Throw output is very close ; Jordan made 7,327 and LeBron James emblematic of LeBron 's longer record of.. Scoring record in relation to longevity let LeBron take it out of bounds and bring it up, quipped... A series of questions to get at the heart of the impactful activations hosted the! Seasons, passed Jordan in his 2003-2010 season, played 82 but never got them a,! Or podcast, please strongly consider citing this site as the Kia MVP discussion nears the finish.! Failure to lead a team is losing a game he blames everyone on the biggest stage but. It out of reach, the greatest of all time get at the heart of GOAT. Cavs in his 1,190th game: LeBron 's willingness to speak out about social.! To 36 minutes always believed was the greatest has LeBron beaten in overall influence and cultural,. Average double-digits in any of his final six seasons James, in his 2003-2010 season, but failed often the!
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