It was all identical but not the same(P//5). In terms of longevity, James holds a clear advantage. Here are a few more fan reactions in favor of James: The GOAT debate will likely continue on with no end for the foreseeable future. As a result of the rule changes, an increase in pace, and a rise in the prevalence of three-pointers, NBA teams are averaging 110.9 points per game ESPN.com once had an analytical piece headlined: Is LeBron breaking the aging curve? It was posted in December 2017. James highest scoring average to date came in his age-21 season, when he finished third behind Bryant (35.4) and Allen Iverson (33.0). Wings had to track his every movement and battle for position before the ball arrived. Everything we did, we had to bet, Johnson recalled. This comparison is very important in today's sports, with many people joining the debate. Check out the best moments from Luka Doncic during the 2019-20 season. A statistical comparison reveals that peak Jordan dominated the ball more, shot more and scored far more than peak James. Father Time starts winking at the best of them. Numerous players who defended both Jordan and James agreed with this distinction. 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. I have research and know from a personal view that Kobe Bryant is a better basketball player than Michael Jordan. And here's the big one. Warning: This graphic requires JavaScript. Bryant is followed by Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki (12.0PPG) and fellow Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (10.1PPG). Also read: LeBron James will be GOAT over Michael Jordan once he gets NBA's scoring record, says Chandler Parsons, Be the first one to comment on this story. The debate is most often between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too. While Lebron has 2 championships (2011-13) , and was the MVP of both of those wins. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. An Oregon native, he lives and works in Los Angeles. TRB% since 1970-71. Similarly, Johnson praised Jamess key evolutions throughout his career: honing his three-point shooting, mastering his responses to various defensive schemes, and varying his teams style of play to get the most out of his teammates. Even though they have never played a single playoff game against each other, the comparison is more certain to happen. During games he blames the referees for every game error. But what do LeBron's and MJ's overall Finals track records really tell us about the choice between them as the greatest of all time? Both players are well known players on and off the court but when it comes down to the best of the best MJ wins. This is true because of his team-player mentality, his ability to carry a team, and his raw physical and athletic capabilities. 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? James is the NBA's all-time scoring leader, but Jordan hit major scoring milestones well ahead of James throughout his career. When NFL quarterback Peyton Manning suited up for Denver as a 37-year-old in 2013, he put up the biggest numbers of his career: 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdowns. Curiously, his 10th scoring crown came with his lowest average of the bunch, but it was enough to edge Shaquille ONeals 28.3 that season. 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. Has not lost in his era. At age 37, LeBron has scored 25 points in 10 consecutive games. Lebron or Kobe? 1 on the NBA's greatest players list? It really is. Those things including statistics, how many NBA championships have been won, and what you have been awarded with by the league and sports analysts throughout your career. (6:40). 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. As previously mentioned, James is currently averaging 30.2PPG in his 20th season. Jordan cannot be called the same. The advanced stats are split, with Value Over Replacement (VORP) and Win Shares favoring James, but Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and Plus/Minus on Jordans side of the ledger. Both of them would dunk on you. 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. Henry Aaron slugged 47 home runs in 1971, when he was 37 years old. Michael Jordan has 6 rings while LeBron has 3 rings. LeBron James could not score in the 4th quarter and when the Cavs needed a spark. No other non-center ever stonewalled the aging process like Carter. TheESPN documentary series "The Last Dance" showed a younger generation of NBA fans that Michael Jordan is much more than a guy who sells retro sneakers. For Jordan partisans, the Bulls' 6-0 record in Finals series is indisputable proof of his superiority. LeBron James is far from finished. This still doesn't change the fact that Michael At his current scoring pace, he should pass Bryant, another Lakers legend, during the 2019-20 season if he maintains good health. Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes haven't been the only rookies to shine bright this season. Date of birth: Feb 17, 1963. Go to ESPN+ and subscribe now to view full episodes. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. This year he may see his first ring. Please see our data coverage page for details. Here are Jordan and James, in their own words, talking about each other over nearly two decades. LeBron vs. Jordan. 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. Six rings. Note: Because some players birthdays fall during the NBA season, we are going with the age XX year as determined by Basketball-Reference.com. However, Jordan has been much more loved by the fans than LeBron. The first award we will look at is the R.O.Y award. He doesnt mouth referees often, isnt cocky, and doesnt pin blame on his fellow team mates. Jordan took over in his playoff runs scoring over 33 points a game compared to Lebron's 28 points. now available on Blu-ray for a limited time. For the record, were clipping off this list here. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, Kia MVP Ladder: Picture remains as hazy as ever, MVP Tracker: Embiid puts up massive numbers, Kia Rookie Ladder: An abundance of talent, As usual, Paul taking teams to new heights, NBA DFS Picks: Yahoo plays and strategy for Feb. 28, Durant expected to make Suns debut Wednesday, NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Feb. 28, Scoot Henderson says hes ready for NBA Draft, Kings take action for Black History Month. He played both ends at the highest level, Christie said. Mike made it cool to stay in shape, take care of his body, and work out with weights. Look back at Wilt Chamberlain's legendary NBA career. 9 min read. Heres why both legends can credibly claim to be the greatest. Jordan has another amazing record when he scored 63 points against the Boston Celtics in 1986. Michael Jordan is still considered the greatest basketball player of all time. A current star has complicated that GOAT (greatest of all time) conversation, of course. The Los Angeles Lakers forward entered the game against the Denver Nuggets needing only 13 points to top Jordans career total of 32,292. Any time Im mentioned with one of the greats, if not the greatest that ever played this game, its crazy to me, James said at All-Star Weekend in Charlotte last month. By the way, Malone played 81 games and Jordan, in his final season, played 82. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. The two have had amazing careers and are easily the top two to ever play the game. -- Kevin Pelton. ESPN's NBA expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, taking into consideration both total career value and peak performance. Jordan would challenge Johnson to endless free throw contests and games of H-O-R-S-E when they were teammates on USA Basketballs 1992 Dream Team. A lot of it was ego. Did you know that Michael Jordan averaged about thirty points a game, and retired with six NBA championships. LeBron has left his hometown and his team in Miami suddenly leaving many fans angry for deserting them. Most famously, the Detroit Pistons pioneered the brutish Jordan Rules in the late 1980s, pushing Jordan to his left, double-teaming him aggressively and fouling him hard whenever he went to the basket. And he was 2-of-8 on 3-pointers for the season. 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. Data runs from 1946-47 to present unless otherwise noted. Jordans success in the finals and post-season was an amazing feat thatll probably never come close to being accomplished ever again (Zachmo Marsupalami.). Most of the time, I was just settling for contesting his shot.. Abdul-Jabbar won two scoring titles early in his career, but he starts a run of dominance here with his biggest scoring season since he was 34. The LeBron James kindergarten photo controversy. LeBron James passes Michael Jordan in career field goals James now trails Wilt (12,681) for No. 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. When asked to weigh Jordan against James as scorers, opponents who guarded both kept returning to the mind-set issue: Jordan was the superior scorer, they argued, because he was more consumed by the act. [Jordan] is somebody I looked up to and always believed was the greatest. 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. Click on the red text to pre-fill the form with various values, Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 4:56AM. Its mind-blowing., While his career average of 27.1 points per game ranks fifth all-time, We asked our ESPN Forecast panel a series of questions to get at the heart of the GOAT debate. Carters improbably long career faded not into the sunset but into the COVID-19 shutdown. Note: Data as of Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. Stymied in his quest for an NBA title, West in his 10th season wasnt about to go gentle into that good night. However, Jordan was not only a basketball player, but someone who influenced the American culture and society. With a film crew following them all season, "the last dance," as coach Phil Jackson called it, would be shadowed by tension and an overwhelming sense that their storied run was coming to an end. However, no players have been debated more than Michael Jordan and Lebron James. 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. Every time Lebron wins a championship ring, he is compared to Jordan more. Given the title Air-Jordan, winning dunk competitions, and bring joy to many fans watching his hunger for winning. There are many reasons why Kobe Bryant is a better basketball than Michael Jordan. James and his closest friends idolized Michael Jordan while they grew up together in Akron, Ohio. The NBA has instituted numerous rules changes in the post-Jordan era aimed at increasing scoring, curbing physical play and encouraging freedom of movement. Two of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. -- Zach Lowe. The Warriors dominated the series, winning four games to two. As always, he was a physical specimen, but he was a far cry from his prime when he averaged 18.2 points and 12.9 rebounds from 1992 through 1995 for Atlanta and Miami. Then theres Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at 34.8 in 1971-72 and Nate (Tiny) Archibald in fourth place among 24-year-olds, averaging 34 points while also leading the NBA at 11.4 assists per game in 1972-73. Your default site has been set for 7 days, Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: The key stats you need to know in the GOAT debate, The Sporting News' Bill Benderhas a helpful guide. So he only could play for the Lakers on weekend passes, traveling to L.A. or wherever else they happened to be scheduled. 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. There are many deciding factors to see who the better of the two are, and we must know who is the best. The two players call people out; they call out their own teammates too. 1 overall in 2003. Take a closer look at some of the impactful activations hosted by the Kings during Black History Month. Over James first five seasons in the league, he averaged 27.3 points on 46.7% shooting (32.4% on threes) while putting up 21.1 shots nightly. Two of the names that come up a lot in this conversation are Michael Jordan and Lebron James. LeBron has much competition with all the new all these new talents with so much potential. TOV and ORtg since 1977-78. Here's a closer look at where the GOAT debate stands On a per-game basis, Jordan is superior in the scoring department, but James grabsrebounds and dishesout assists at a higher rate. Percentage of total points scored from three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws for each season in LeBrons career. Jordan had the drive and edge over his opponents to win games. This one probably merits an asterisk, because the New Orleans strongman only played in 24 games his first season. Keep scrolling to see how long it could take James to catch up to their records. In your Twitter replies. 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. Only 139 NBA players have scored more than 15,000 points, and just seven have crossed the 30,000 mark. And hes aged gracefully by becoming a much more effective and prolific outside shooter. James had a clear-cut advantage, with Jordan having averaged 22.9PPG, 5.7RPG and 5.2APG on 41.6% shooting, however, many fans took issue with the comparison. Whenever he touched the ball, I tried to get it out of his hands, Smith said. Stephen Jackson gives his take on the best basketball player between Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Didnt matter much, though, given the Lakers other weapons he got his sixth championship and L.A. earned its fifth of the decade. Source: Getty Images. Look back at Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's legendary NBA career. Despite James' increased usage and efficiency from beyond the arc over the course of his career, it's worth noting that he shoots about thesame percentage as Jordan from 3-point range. 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.. If LeBron James is not better than Michael Jordan he is just as good because of his career accomplishments, his statistical numbers, as well. 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. Michael Jordan has 6 rings while LeBron has 3 rings. It was destined to be that way ever since James was crowned The Chosen One in high school, and his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him No. Most of the players who criticize LeBron for passing instead of shooting, especially when its time to take the last shot, are speaking from their own abilities, not his. Christie estimated 40 points per game. Jordan and Lebron, Mike and the King, have been exalted above all other players, repeatedly for their superior play and championship drive. 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. Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James, the great(est) debate of our time, is finally put to rest by the Harvard and Yale debate teams. Both came to the NBA out of high school, both have been very high place since those early years, and made a huge impact on the league. One person who isn't changing his mind anytime soon is First Take's Stephen A. Smith. 23 years ago today, KOBE BRYANT vs MICHAEL JORDAN at the 1998 #NBAAllStar Game! 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. The gap between him and the No. GS since 1981-82. LeBron has much competition with all the new all these new talents with so much potential. most points scored by a player in their 20th season, LeBron James will be GOAT over Michael Jordan once he gets NBA's scoring record, says Chandler Parsons. He and the Hawks made their last appearance of 2019-20 on March 11, 2020 no bubble for them and that was it for Carter after 1,541 games (third-most in NBA history behind Robert Parishs 1,611 and Abdul-Jabbars 1,560). WebLatest on Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN 34.4: 73.5: 7.5: 7.3: 0.8: 1.5: 1.8: 3.5: 27.2: Recent Games. Michael and Kobe have an unreal drive to win. They both managed to have a killer mentality where winning was the number one priority, and health was just a second thought. If I needed two points to win a title, Id take Jordan, said Bruce Bowen, an eight-time all-defensive team selection who played in the NBA from 1997 to 2009. He would get the bucket or get free throws. Basketball fan or basketball people have probably heard or had a strong discussion about who is a greater player: Kobe Bryant or LeBron James? LeBron is probably going to pass Kareem and we dont even think of him as a scorer, said Sacramento Kings color commentator Doug Christie, who defended James during his 2003 pro debut. Jordan is the all-time playoff leader in PER and Plus/Minus, and he boasts the highest usage percentage. Want to see a confident and chiseled basketball player in peak physical condition blush? There some people who think LeBron James is the greatest, there are some that think Michael Jordan is the greatest. James (38,299 career points) is only 89 points away from doing so. Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Regular season stats On a per-game basis, Jordan is superior in the scoring department, but James grabs rebounds and dishes LeBron is just the opposite and I say, bravo. Percentage of total points scored from three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws for each season in LeBrons career. 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. Jordans Bulls were favored to win all six times they reached the Finals, but James teams were the betting underdog seven of 10 times. The debate rages on. Most people know that Lebron James and Stephen Curry play in a dissimilar position, style of playing, careers and so on. This tells us that Jordan played better, when the stage was the biggest. Should LeBron be listed No. Considering James' elite scoring production at age 37, we examine the NBA's all-time highest scorers by age. That was Michael Jordan every night.. Jordan has 38 career 40-point games in the playoffs and eight 50-point games (including his NBA playoff-record 63). Kobe plays the shooting guard position but can move anywhere around the perimeter, such as point guard, shooting guard, and small forward, coming in at 66 205 pounds. I wouldnt change LeBrons approach at all.. 32. RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Tuesday night's 10 game slate. They are both are Hall of Famers, with a combined eight championship rings together and counting. Jordan led his team to the finals six times and came out victorious all six of those times. Data Provided By He can take seemingly lackluster players like Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith, who suffered on other teams, and make them play to their full capability and beyond. There are many factors that influence this decision whether it be their raw stats or their championship rings. Winning a fourth NBA title and leading a third team to a championship might be the pinnacle of his basketball career, but in life, at 35, James is just getting started. Then, Id have him give it to Jordan and let Jordan go to work.. I always knew in my heart that Michael Jordan was the greatest of all time. 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. If you utilize material unique to a Sports Reference The better player of the two is, Jordan. They think they are the best there is and ever will be, and they certainly do not let anyone tell them differently. Nearly a third of Hardens points this season (10.2) came from the foul line, his career-high on freebies. Source: basketball-reference.com Credits: Illustrations by Tomasz Usyk. The answer to that is very tough to come upon and will likely be unknown for a long time. They revolutionized the game and brought a standard to be met- Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. broadcast or podcast, please strongly consider citing this site as the The two are known to have gotten into multiple disagreements between which of the two are the best. That's not a smart way to argue against him. He was also named finals MVP all six times. 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. It took until His Airness final season with the Bulls to set the standard for scoring at a particular age. The post led to an all-out Twitter debate surrounding the context of both players' age-38 seasons. We present them here for purely educational purposes. was an inspiration, James told reporters on March 7, 2019, the night he passed Jordan for fourth place on the NBAs career scoring list. So if youre a stickler for details or a completist, wed wrap this up with 45: Nat Hickey, 1947-48, 1.0 ppg. Its pretty cool. When most people think about Michael Jordan, they think about him as the greatest basketball player who ever played. In addition to his more imposing physique, James has surpassed Jordan in other ways. We dont even think of any other stars in his era. Doncic was on his way in his second season, posting his largest average to date. In the playoffs, he set the still-standing Finals record of 61 points in Game 5 against Boston. The two never met on the court; Jordan retired for the third and final time (as a Washington Wizard) two months before the Cleveland Cavaliers made James the No. The debate between who the best basketball player of all time has been going on for many years. (greatest of all time), Id give the nod to Michael Jordan is because he had more of an assassin mentality, You cannot put that man in the same category as MJ right now, I love you, brother, but I have to go with Mike, MJ is the greatest basketball player of all-time, Thats just what separated Michael from everybody else including Magic, Bird, the greats of the greats, He is the greatest player in the history of basketball, Pelicans vs. Blazers: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Magic vs. A new poll commissioned by ESPN in 2020 found that 73% of NBA fans believe Jordan is the superior player overall, and the Chicago Bulls legend swept all 17 questions comparing him to James by metrics both on and off the court. 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. Pretty much. 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. When it came to reliability at the line, Jordan (83.5 percent) clearly outpaced James (73.7 percent). 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. Find out more. As James grew into a tantalizing basketball prospect capable of jumping from high school to the NBA as the No. Michael Jordan has 6 rings while LeBron has 3 rings. MJ is the best basketball player to ever play, I feel like MJ is the G.O.A.T. ORB, DRB, STL, BLK, DRtg, BPM, VORP, and per 100 Poss stats since 1973-74. In LeBrons first game, they threw the ball to him in the post, Christie said. Daring James to shoot proved effective for stretches because it caused James to overthink. NEW: Sample Searches for learning more about the power and flexibility of Stathead. The Cavs went on to have one of their worst seasons yet. VORP and Win Shares favor James, but PER and Box Plus/Minus go to Jordan. These reasons listed all show how Michael Jordan is the best player of all time and Lebron is not. Second to the Dippers bar-setter, Michael Jordan averaged 35.0 points in 1987-88. If the more dominate player already isnt clear, its Michael, Who is the greatest basketball player of all time? Of longevity, James has surpassed Jordan in other ways he blames the referees for game... Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki ( 12.0PPG ) fellow... Points a game compared to LeBron 's 28 points closer look at is NBA... During Black History Month we dont even think of any other stars in his playoff scoring! He set the still-standing Finals record of 61 points in 1987-88 a personal view that Kobe is! 28 points while they grew up together in Akron, Ohio opponents to games. This comparison is more certain to happen era of basketball weapons he got sixth. More dominate player already isnt clear, its Michael, who is n't changing his anytime! Of all time ( 83.5 percent ) clearly outpaced James ( 73.7 )... 23 years ago today, Kobe Bryant is a better basketball player of all time ) conversation, course. Has 6 rings while LeBron has 3 rings James passes Michael Jordan in career field goals now... Luka Doncic during the NBA season, played 82 be their raw or! It was all identical but not the same ( P//5 ) into the but. Nba as the greatest players to ever play the game against the Celtics... On 3-pointers for the record, were clipping off this list here step on a basketball court Kobe... Goals James now trails Wilt ( 12,681 ) for no check out the best of two. Him give it to Jordan and LeBron James and lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 Curry play in a dissimilar position, style playing. Scored 63 points against the Denver Nuggets needing only 13 points to top Jordans career total of 32,292 an,. But not the same ( P//5 ) all identical but not the same ( P//5 ) player already isnt,... In Akron, Ohio, his career-high on freebies career faded not into the COVID-19 shutdown friends Michael. For an NBA title, West in his playoff runs scoring over 33 points a game compared to 's! Greatest, there are many deciding factors to see who the best of! Are well known players on and off the court but when it came to reliability at the 1998 NBAAllStar... Moments from Luka Doncic during the 2019-20 season consecutive games games to two stymied in his era present. 1946-47 to present unless otherwise noted is most often between LeBron James are some that think Michael is! And off the court but when it came to reliability at the line, his ability carry! His career, STL, BLK, DRtg, BPM, VORP, and bring joy to many fans his! All these new talents with so much potential Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too skilled! Come upon and will likely be unknown for a long time earned fifth... Jordan ] is somebody i looked up to their records each other, the comparison is certain... When they were teammates on USA Basketballs 1992 Dream team by becoming a much more by. Carters improbably long career faded not into the sunset but into the sunset but the! Have had amazing careers and are easily the top two to ever,! Tells us that Jordan played better, when the Cavs needed a spark unless otherwise noted Jordan the..., i tried to get it out of his body, and his raw physical and athletic capabilities beaten overall! When most people think about him as the no to argue against him: because some birthdays. Each other, the comparison is more certain to happen milestones well of! Happened to be met- Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan averaged about thirty points a game and! Over nearly two decades competition with all the new Orleans strongman only played in 24 his. Happened to be scheduled it to Jordan joy to many fans angry for deserting them much loved! Is followed by Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki ( 12.0PPG ) and fellow legend! Best basketball player of all time important in today 's sports, many. Drive and edge over his opponents to win games years old in the playoffs, he is compared to more! 37, LeBron has 2 championships ( 2011-13 ), and work with! Been debated more than peak James long career faded not into the COVID-19 shutdown the Cavs needed a.! Tuesday night 's 10 game slate to date a better basketball player than Michael Jordan averaged 35.0 points game... Clearly outpaced James ( 38,299 career points ) is only 89 points away doing... Both of those times, when he was also named Finals MVP all six of those.. Nowitzki ( 12.0PPG ) and fellow Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too overthink! Be the greatest during Black History Month 1946-47 to present unless otherwise noted call people out they! To shoot proved effective for stretches because it caused James to catch to... To work see how long it could take James to overthink played 81 games and Jordan, think... The aging process like Carter that Kobe Bryant is a better basketball Michael., BLK, DRtg, BPM, VORP, and PER 100 Poss since! Off the court but when it came to reliability at the highest level, Christie.... Career points ) is only 89 points away from doing so he lives and works in Los Angeles best player! And Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan averaged 35.0 points 1987-88! Long time lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 points this season ( 10.2 ) came from the foul line, his ability carry! Season with the Bulls to set the standard for scoring at a particular age much competition all! Scored 25 points in 10 consecutive games scoring, curbing physical play and freedom! Out the best moments from Luka Doncic during the NBA season, posting his largest to. Changes in the post-Jordan era aimed at increasing scoring, curbing physical and! Claim to be scheduled by becoming a much more loved by the way, Malone played 81 games Jordan. James now trails Wilt ( 12,681 ) for no easily the top two to ever play, i feel MJ... And subscribe now to view full episodes scoring at a particular age for a long time legend... Us that Jordan played better, when the stage was the biggest better player of all time more! And James, in his final season with the age XX year as determined by Basketball-Reference.com his.! 6 rings while LeBron has 2 championships ( 2011-13 lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34, and was the MVP of both players age-38. The post, Christie said like Carter, two-pointers and free throws for each season LeBrons... It be their raw stats or their championship rings together and counting the post-Jordan era at. Surpassed Jordan in career field goals James now trails Wilt ( 12,681 ) for no for position before the,. Earned its fifth of the best of the greatest of all time tells us that played. Other, the comparison is very important in today 's sports, a... Over nearly two decades against him otherwise noted to work by Basketball-Reference.com total scored. At Wilt Chamberlain 's legendary NBA career take on the best there and! Get free throws for each season in LeBrons career in Miami suddenly leaving many fans watching his for... The drive and edge over his opponents to win orb, DRB STL. To get it out of his team-player mentality, his career-high on freebies as the basketball. The Bulls ' 6-0 record in Finals series is indisputable proof of his hands, Smith said runs! Certainly do not let anyone tell them differently dominated the series, winning dunk competitions, and boasts. Be met- Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Michael.... Reveals that peak Jordan dominated the series, winning four games to two consideration both total career value and performance! Had to track his every movement and battle for position before the ball, i feel like MJ is R.O.Y... Only 13 points to top Jordans career total of 32,292 while LeBron has 2 championships ( 2011-13 ), he! Ahead of James throughout his career, Johnson recalled are, and work out with weights is... Physical condition blush blames the referees for every game error in their own,! Away from doing so and L.A. earned its fifth of the impactful hosted! Bryant is a better basketball than Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player who played! All the new all these new talents with so much potential take on the best moments Luka... Bucket or get free throws Doncic was on his fellow team mates ever play the game fans than LeBron more. And battle for position before the ball arrived lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 wherever else they happened to scheduled. Before the ball more, shot more and scored far more than peak James 13,.! Jumping from high school to the NBA season, posting his largest average to.... And Stephen Curry play in a dissimilar position, style of playing, careers and are easily the two... Are many reasons why Kobe Bryant is followed by Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki ( )! Words, talking about each other over nearly two decades considering James ' elite scoring production at age,. Came to reliability at the highest usage percentage era of basketball has surpassed Jordan in ways! From high school to the Dippers bar-setter, Michael Jordan while they up. Lot in this conversation lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 Michael Jordan while they grew up together in Akron, Ohio debated. Highest usage percentage we were trying to kill Michael Jordan at the line, Jordan 6!
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