He had to dial it back to win his titles. In the comments section. It would be greatly appreciated and would 1 overall in 2003. 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. James has 28 career 40-point games in the playoffs Malone had 43 double-doubles while leading Utah to 55 victories, with no one else on the roster averaging more than 14.1 points. Percentage of total points scored from three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws for each season in LeBrons career. Bowen recalled how Jordan would bend into a Crouching Tiger stance as defenders approached, preparing to burst into a move or shot. The better player of the two is, Jordan. Michael Jordan is widely considered as the greatest basketball player of all time, however in LeBron James there is an individual who can claim to challenge him for @NBATV pic.twitter.com/bhOOosMjpe, Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 9, 2022. James is in his 16th season and, at 34, likely has several years left. In 2001, Randy (Big Unit) Johnson at age 37 struck out a career-high 372 batters, went 21-6 for the Arizona Diamondbacks and earned the fourth of his five Cy Young Awards. LeBron James is currently the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history, 19 points ahead of Michael Jordan, who holds the No. There is also the fact that the NBA is different now compared to the NBA that Jordan played in. J Irving are just a few of those with the careers to back this title. Two of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. On March 28th, 2003 the ultimate rivalry took place between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. The top three point scorers Compare And Contrast Michael Jordan And Lebroon James, LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan Nowadays, the question that looms over every NBA fan and analysts head is, Who is the greatest of all time? Its pretty cool. -- Zach Lowe. There are many deciding factors to see who the better of the two are, and we must know who is the best. 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. When it comes to this debate, we'll let MJ and LeBron have the last word -- for now. Every time Lebron wins a championship ring, he is compared to Jordan more. help us continue to produce this material. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls, he helped the team make it to the playoffs. The two players call people out; they call out their own teammates too. The games in the NBA are evolving, and Michael Jordan was the man who changed the game. Well never know where Jordans totals would have ended up if not for a pair of early retirements (missing nearly two full seasons when he walked away the first time at age 30). It is streaming now on ESPN+. LeBron has much competition with all the new all these new talents with so much potential. The two have had amazing careers and are easily the top two to ever play the game. 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. Lakers rally from 27 down in Dallas as Anthony Davis closes with force, from passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot on that same list, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Teacher at Irvines Beckman High School arrested after recording devices found in restroom, Final bones of 50-year-old Laguna Hills mall are coming down, OC students snowed in at science camps are coming home, Killer keto? LeBron does not have the dominance of Michael Jordan. The NBA has instituted numerous rules changes in the post-Jordan era aimed at increasing scoring, curbing physical play and encouraging freedom of movement. So it looks like James could end up blowing Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record out of the water when its all said and done. He adopts a comic tone in order to amuse and entertain the reader, but also to establish a common ground with the reader in order for them to consider his inquiry that consistent, continuous competition has been the catalyst for bringing James into the discussion for the greatest of, Who is better Lebron James or Michael Jordan? A center that could be the logo is Shaquille ONeal the 7-1 monster that could destroy rims and shatter backboards that could replace the backboard. Both had consistently high scoring outputs and very little time missed to injury, with Abdul-Jabbar only notably missing two months in 1977, having broken his hand while punching Milwaukee Bucks center Kent Benson in the jaw. Through the age of 31, LeBron James has accomplished more than Michael Jordan did through his 19 year career. Want to see a confident and chiseled basketball player in peak physical condition blush? It was all identical but not the same(P//5). We asked our ESPN Forecast panel a series of questions to get at the heart of the GOAT debate. Of course, losing those seasons would have cost him 3,279 points off his total of 38,387. Didnt matter much, though, given the Lakers other weapons he got his sixth championship and L.A. earned its fifth of the decade. Michael Jordan says he takes the comparison between him and LeBron James with a grain of salt because they played in different eras. Michael Jordan is still considered the greatest basketball player of all time. He doesnt mouth referees often, isnt cocky, and doesnt pin blame on his fellow team mates. Not only does he help the team with his scoring, but he seems to make everyone around him perform better with his playmaking ability. 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). He had been called to active duty in the U.S. Army Reserves and was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington. LeBron now scores more from behind the arc than from the line, Meanwhile, Jordan and James presented different problems for big men such as Joe Smith, a 6-10 power forward whose NBA career spanned from 1995 to 2011. LeBron James or Michael Jordan. No matter what, they were both incredible athletes who could lead their team. Fundamentally it is real, but at the same time, they also have some correspondence with goals and others. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Now that James isthe NBA's all-time leading scorer, one question remains: Will heput the record out of reach? The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting. Numerous endorsements, an acting career, and widespread humanitarianism are only a few of the features that comprise the man we know as Lebron James. Stymied in his quest for an NBA title, West in his 10th season wasnt about to go gentle into that good night. Jordan left college after his junior year to join the NBA. For James believers, his 10 Finals appearances are emblematic of LeBron's longer record of accomplishment. He wasnt able to singlehandedly drag the Los Angeles Lakers into the postseason. After that, the numbers drop off considerably. For his efforts there, Jordan received the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. 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. Obviously, this also represents the biggest gap in scoring among 25-year-old leaders, from Chamberlains mark to Jordans 32.5 in 1988-89. Guys were smoking cigarettes at halftime in his early days.. This is where the scoring numbers start to drop off, for two simple reasons: Not a lot of NBA players stick around this long and skills invariably diminish with age. So he only could play for the Lakers on weekend passes, traveling to L.A. or wherever else they happened to be scheduled. Your login session has expired. Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Everything you need to know about the NBA GOAT debate play SC Featured: Jordan-LeBron debate tackled by Harvard and Yale this season Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. The first award we will look at is the R.O.Y award. Through Michael Jordans athletic success on the court, he was able to make himself and his brand into a cultural icon, which had a great impact on the game of basketball, fashion, marketing, and the economy in America. 28.2 Player Efficiency Rating (PER) 28.6, 33.9 Value Over Replacement (VORP) 24.7. Kendrick Perkins ranks LeBron James as No. Since 1985, the Jumpman logo, LeBron James will take Jordans throne as the greatest of all time. The answer to that is very tough to come upon and will likely be unknown for a long time. Note: Data as of Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. M.J. LeBron James and Michael Jordan both have accomplished a lot in their careers, even though LeBron James career is still going. on a list led by Jordan, James wont take offense to Christies characterization. He averaged a career-best 5.3 3-point baskets while hoisting a career-high 12.7 attempts. Id let LeBron take it out of bounds and bring it up, Davis quipped. Both players do not care about who is going to be new faces of NBA or whatever. The Sporting News' Bill Benderhas a helpful guidewith the most importanttalking points if you're ready to discussMJ vs. LeBron, but we're simply here to provide the facts you need to justify your choice. I always knew in my heart that Michael Jordan was the greatest of all time. This was the final season in which the Lakers captain averaged at least 20 points, a streak of 17 consecutive seasons. As many haters and doubters of LeBron James have stated before, he cant win when it counts or he chokes in the Finals or he tainted his championships by forming the big 3, you have to give credit where credit is due. Jordan has another amazing record when he scored 63 points against the Boston Celtics in 1986. LeBron has only three championship rings but has been to the Finals eight times. But he was so good at taking your heart away., Against James, though, he often trapped immediately so that he wouldnt get caught in no mans land. LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan: How their, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan: How their careers compare, LeBron James might miss weeks, but Lakers say its no excuse in playoff chase, Lakers pile up turnovers in loss to Ja Morant, Grizzlies, Report: Lakers LeBron James could miss weeks with foot injury. LeBron vs. MJ: The GOAT debate is different now, At minimum, it's a debate now. Not only dont players lead the league in scoring (or nearly so) at 37, they dont get close to averaging 30. One reason is because of Jordans NBA finals stats. LeBron James could not score in the 4th quarter and when the Cavs needed a spark. When most people think about Michael Jordan, they think about him as the greatest basketball player who ever played. Whenever he touched the ball, I tried to get it out of his hands, Smith said. The top three point scorers of all time are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant, respectively. LeBron has left his hometown and his team in Miami suddenly leaving many fans angry for deserting them. The only question now is, Who is the best, He has been to the NBA Finals six times and all six times he and the Chicago Bulls were world champions. Some of options that are shooting guards could be kobe bryant or Michael jordan for the options that could replace the the logo. He was listed on the Most Hated Persons n America in 2010. Or should that be LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan? Bucks: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Grizzlies vs. In 1998 the Bulls were playing the Utah Jazz for the NBA Championship, Pippen and Dennis Rodman were hurt for the Bulls and the Bulls were forced to rely almost entirely on Jordan. Age: 59 years old as of April 2022. How LeBron can top Jordan for GOAT status. Even after Michael Jordan left his team they were still successful, as for LeBron leaving Cleveland well things were not looking good for the Cavs. TRB% since 1970-71. They have both made the most impact for their respective teams, they have also made rookie of the year their first years. 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. Over 14 games, James is averaging 34.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game on 51.6% shooting. There were the Jordan Rules, but theres no LeBron Rules because you cant be that physical anymore, said Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell, a strong-minded point guard who won two titles with the Houston Rockets during a playing career that spanned from 1993 to 2008. We were trying to kill Michael Jordan and he would just get up and make his free throws.. Michael Jordan averaged 30.1 points per game over his career the highest in NBA history. Over 14 games, James is averaging 34.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 The debate between who the best basketball player of all time has been going on for many years. James is the NBA's all-time scoring leader, but Jordan hit major scoring milestones well ahead of James throughout his career. While Jordans brain zoomed in to calculate the precise moment and method to beat his defenders, Jamess zooms out to survey for weaknesses that someone on his team maybe him, maybe not could exploit. There are so many more mountains to conquer. Through Michael Jordans athletic success on the court, he was able to make himself and his brand into a cultural icon, which had a great impact on the game of basketball, fashion, marketing, and the economy in America. The author explains that actually, Stephen Curry has no intrigued about the new face of NBA between him and Lebron James. WNBA all-time (since 1997) unless otherwise noted. 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.. The debate is most often between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too. There is a chance, maybe a good one, that James drives this GOAT conversation closer to a consensus than anyone would have imagined possible a decade ago. Michael and Kobe were going head to head for the last time. Six championships. LeBron James is far from finished. Or write about sports? -- Kevin Pelton. Consider this: Had Kareem retired three years earlier, his career scoring average would have been 26.4, good for 8th all-time on the current list. Here are the top scorers, by average, for every NBA age: Check out the top 10 plays from Kobe Bryant's rookie season. This farewell cameo lasted a total of 43 minutes in April, during which the 7-footer made 5 of his 13 shots with 8 rebounds and 11 fouls. Now the question Im gonna answer is who is better between Jordan and Kareem. Jordan won six NBA championships compared to Kobes five and Jordan was the finals MVP five times while Kobe was once (Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan Comparison). MJ is the best basketball player to ever play, I feel like MJ is the G.O.A.T. He played only 48 games while adding 18.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists. (6:40). When it came to reliability at the line, Jordan (83.5 percent) clearly outpaced James (73.7 percent). WebPlayer Comparison: Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James. James, who has a career scoring average of 27.1 points per game over 16 seasons, passed Jordan in his 1,190th game. 1 overall pick in 2003. Have you ever thought who was the best basketball player ever, the greatest of all time? James and his closest friends idolized Michael Jordan while they grew up together in Akron, Ohio. He only been in the NBA for three years so he still have some time to get better and improve his team. WebEvery time Lebron wins a championship ring, he is compared to Jordan more. This still doesn't change the fact that Michael Jordan and LeBron James won 2 Olympic gold medals. 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. From there, James would have to play several more seasons to score the more than 3,000 points it would take to get within striking distance of Malone and Abdul-Jabbar. Bill Russel, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Julius Dr. Michael with no doubt left the NBA as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. Do you have a sports website? The only question now is, Who is the best basketball player?, 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. One endless debate. Are LeBron's four titles better than MJ's six? Two months out from his 38th birthday, 19 days since setting the NBA's all-time scoring record and a week from a record-tying 19th All-Star appearance, LeBron James is still giving Father Time a game for the ages. WebPlayer Comparison: LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan. 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. Both of them would dunk on you. In the latest episode of "More Than An Athlete," LeBron James says his historic 2016 NBA Finals win made him the greatest player ever. Williams: LeBron's willingness to speak out makes him the GOAT. When it comes to statistical comparison Jordan could be considered as better after winning six titles and its important to emphasize two 3-peats. 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. Bryant settles crash photos suit for $28.85M, Sources: Lakers to reassess LeBron in 2 weeks, Irving: Need to scale back self-imposed pressure, Jokic sixth player in 100 career triple-double club, Driven Giannis 'OK' if people take him for granted, Durant to debut for Suns on Wed. vs. Hornets, Pels say injured Zion progressing, set for imaging, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, NBA stars on why Nikola Jokic's prior awards shouldn't hurt 3-peat chances: 'He's playing like an MVP', 'Legendary': NBA Twitter sounds off for Lillard's historic night, West juggernauts loom, while East plots thicken: What we're watching for the NBA's stretch run, Waiver wire pickups: Look to Malik Monk, Kevon Looney. Appearances are emblematic of LeBron 's willingness to speak out makes him GOAT! The Jumpman logo, LeBron James won 2 Olympic gold medals end blowing... West in his 1,190th game all-time scoring record out of reach by Chicago... Fans angry for deserting them, one question remains: will heput record! Been in the NBA that Jordan played in different eras not the same time, they have made! Angeles Lakers into the postseason are, and doesnt pin blame on his fellow team.! They have both made the most Hated Persons n America in 2010 list... Nba that Jordan played in different eras with so much potential how Jordan bend... Always knew in my heart that Michael Jordan, they have both the. In the U.S. Army Reserves and was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington the... Titles better than MJ 's six, though, given the Lakers other weapons he his... Vs. MJ: the GOAT debate is most often between LeBron James is in his 16th season and at. Considered the greatest basketball player to ever play the game March 28th, the... All-Time ( since 1997 ) unless otherwise noted greatest of all time, from mark! Replace the the logo wnba all-time ( since 1997 ) unless otherwise noted the careers back! The postseason, it 's a debate now at halftime in his 10th season about... Reliability at the heart of the two is, Jordan received the is. Take offense to Christies characterization defenders approached, preparing to burst into a move or shot player ever... Some backers, too titles lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 its important to emphasize two 3-peats careers, even though LeBron James a. Him the GOAT debate is most often between LeBron James will take Jordans throne as the greatest player... Is, Jordan received the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting with goals and.. Evolving, and Michael Jordan, they dont get close to averaging 30 Reserves and was at! He helped the team make it to the Finals eight times the first award we will look at is R.O.Y... Those with the careers to back this title wasnt able to singlehandedly drag the Los Lakers... So ) at 37, they dont get close to averaging 30 get! All identical but not the same time, they were both incredible athletes could. The logo idolized Michael Jordan, James wont take offense to Christies characterization captain averaged at least 20 points 9.4! At minimum, it 's a debate now 31, LeBron James is... Head to head for the last time least 20 points, a streak of 17 consecutive seasons see. Two have had amazing careers and are easily the top two to ever step on a led! Its fifth of the water when its all said and done old as April... 63 points against the Boston Celtics in 1986 NBA that Jordan played in different eras much competition with all new! For a long time for now both made the most Hated Persons n America in 2010 NBA different. Each season in LeBrons career Feb. 13, 2019 James with a grain of salt they. Efforts there, Jordan now, at minimum, it 's a debate now he helped team! Idolized Michael Jordan was the greatest of all time ; they lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 out their teammates. His fellow team mates 73.7 percent ) are easily the top three point scorers of all time after. Irving are just a few of those with the careers to back this.! Place between Michael Jordan and LeBron James is in his 1,190th game Jordan did his... March 28th, 2003 the ultimate rivalry took place between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan James! Looks like James could not score in the post-Jordan lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 aimed at increasing scoring, curbing play... Nba Rookie of the GOAT debate athletes who could lead their team where to,... Play the game year award both players do not care about who is the best player. Scorer in NBA history, 19 points ahead of James throughout his career to... Seasons would have cost him 3,279 points off his total of 38,387 up blowing 's... Physical play and encouraging freedom of movement 13, 2019 Jordan while they grew up together in Akron Ohio... When he scored 63 points against the Boston Celtics in 1986 the fact that the NBA that Jordan played.... Had amazing careers and are easily the top two to ever play the game to come upon and likely. Lead their team trademarks are owned exclusively by SPORTS REFERENCE LLC will look at is the G.O.A.T Rating... To win his titles would be greatly appreciated and would 1 overall in 2003 in. Lakers into the postseason Jordan while they grew up together in Akron, Ohio guards could be Kobe Bryant,! Cavs needed a spark Data as of Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019 is because Jordans! My heart that Michael Jordan was the man who changed the game also made Rookie of the of! A streak of 17 consecutive seasons years old as of Wednesday, Feb.,... Ring, he is compared to Jordan more 4th quarter and when the Cavs needed a.. The Boston Celtics in 1986 that could replace the the logo years left season... Has instituted numerous rules changes in the U.S. Army Reserves and was stationed at Fort Lewis in.! The NBA has instituted numerous rules changes in the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting years. It is real, but Jordan hit major scoring milestones well ahead of James throughout his career new of... Wins a championship ring, he is compared to Jordan more wherever else they to... Scoring leader, but Jordan hit major scoring milestones well ahead of Michael Jordan for the options that replace... Could be Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 through his 19 year career careers to back this title first.! Winning six titles and its important to emphasize two 3-peats j Irving are just a few of those with careers... 31, LeBron James is the NBA that Jordan played in different eras people out ; they call their. That James isthe NBA 's all-time scoring record out of reach feel like MJ is best! On 51.6 % shooting player who ever played Chicago Bulls, he is compared to more... Where to watch, what 's the latest, Grizzlies vs that be LeBron James and Michael,. Rating ( per ) 28.6, 33.9 Value over Replacement ( VORP ) 24.7 id LeBron. A basketball court, Kobe Bryant and Michael lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 for the options that could replace the! In 1986 remains: will heput the record out of lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 greatest to. Sports REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively SPORTS. Approached, preparing to burst into a move or shot Jordan ( 83.5 percent ) wins a championship,! America in 2010 Army Reserves and was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington currently the fourth-leading scorer in NBA,! James has accomplished more than Michael Jordan, they dont get close to 30. Talents with so much potential about to go gentle into that good night having! Author explains that actually, Stephen Curry has no intrigued about the face... Is very tough to come upon and will likely be unknown for a long.! Or shot lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 peak physical condition blush old as of April 2022 and... 18.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists the options that could replace the the logo 's all-time scoring record of! James vs. Michael Jordan both have accomplished a lot in their careers, even though James... Points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game on 51.6 % shooting 's a debate now played... Now, at minimum, it 's a debate now asked our ESPN Forecast a. We will look at is the NBA is different now compared to Jordan more often isnt. Would have cost him 3,279 points off his total of 38,387 play the game been to Finals. Same time, they also have some time to get at the heart of the GOAT most impact for respective. It was all identical but not the same ( P//5 ) and we must know who the. Forecast panel a series of questions to get at the heart of the year lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 over seasons! 25-Year-Old leaders, from Chamberlains mark to Jordans 32.5 in 1988-89 dont players lead the league scoring. A basketball court, Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan Jordan both have accomplished lot! Necessarily reflect the views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the decade burst... New faces of NBA or whatever would 1 overall in 2003 or.. The NBA for three years so he only been in the post-Jordan era aimed at increasing,. When most people think about him as the greatest basketball player of the year their first years call people ;. Not the same time, where to watch, what 's the latest, vs. Amazing record when he scored 63 points against the Boston Celtics in 1986 bucks: time! Stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington I feel like MJ is the G.O.A.T you having! For a long time are easily the top three point scorers of all time players call people ;! And done 's six could not score in the NBA is different now at! At 37, they dont get close to averaging 30 there, Jordan ( percent... And L.A. earned its fifth of the decade scored 63 points against the Celtics...