So… here we are, again. Just another blog post about Lebron James vs Michael Jordan. 2 different eras, 2 different players, 1 GOAT. Lets just start off by establishing that the NBA has, and is always going to be changing. So much is different in todays game then it was in the 90’s when Michael was in his hay day. Today we are simply going to go over stats in an unbiased manner, to let you choose who indeed is the GOAT.
First off lets start with Michael. 6’6″, 216 lbs, shooting guard. MJ spent 3 seasons in college playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels, winning an NCAA national championship in 1982. During his freshman and junior seasons the three-point line didn’t exist in collegiate basketball. So his sophomore year was the first time Michael ever played with a three-point line and shot an astonishing 45% from beyond the arc. So all growing up practicing he never worried about taking shots that far away from the hoop, but obviously adjusted quickly.
After being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1985 he averaged 28.2 PPG all while shooting over 50% from the court. He was an instant All-Star. He went on to win the Rookie of the Year award. That was simply just the start of his long list of awards and accomplishments. Just two years later he was 1/5 players in history to win the MVP, and the DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year) in the same year. He finished his NBA career with 15 seasons played.
For the sake of comparing I have decided to use only comparable awards from each player (Not all awards are listed). He went on to win 6x NBA Championships accompanied by Finals MVP for each Championship. Was the NBA scoring leader for 10 consecutive seasons, 9x First team All-Defensive player, and of course 2x Slam Dunk Contest Champion.
Now moving on the the King himself Lebron James. After attending high-school he felt his talent was NBA ready. So in 2003 he was drafted to the Cleveland Cavilers. He went on to win the ROY (Rookie of the Year) award being the first rookie to average 20 PPG with 5 APG and 5 RPG.
Unlike Jordan he has moved around to different teams, and has won NBA championships with 3 different teams. Proving that he can win no matter what.
James as well was an instant NBA star. Still playing in the NBA for his 18th season. He currently is 3rd the NBA all time scoring record, 4x NBA champion accompanied by 4x Finals MVP, 6x All-Defensive team, and 4x regular season MVP’s. He holds records for Field goals made, Free throws made.
Again, times were very different from the 80’s and 90’s to the early-to-mid 2000’s. So we do need to consider factors of teammates, all-stars played with, and against, and coaching. All of which are debatable for either side.
In conclusion when comparing the two GOATs, more needs to be considered then just records, and titles. So many factors play into it, that the world may never agree on who the real GOAT actually is.
