Is LeBron James better than Michael Jordan?

[flyerhawk]

His defense was subpar compared to previous years. That's what was the Cavs' ultimate downfall that year. His team plays defense only as well as he does. When they see him actively engaged, they follow suit. When they see him coast on that end, the same situation applies.

Again, for a guy that's being put above MJ by some, at his apex why is his team getting blown out in some of these Finals? I can understand losing, but getting demolished is a whole different thing.

Because the other team was vastly better.

I'm pretty sure that Warriors team broke a whole bunch of post-season records last year.

 

[Voltaire26]

Think this is an intriguing topic to debate. Was wondering what people here thought about it. Is LeBron better than MJ?

Let me qualify this by say the only thing I know about basketball is I sucked at it. I think the younger generation is all around better so I would give the nod to LeBron James. I don't think James has the warrior spirit like Michael Jordan, but LeBron still get the nod.

OP, it should be a poll.

 

[black francis]

if only Magic had gotten the calls that LeBron gets

 

[DorianRo]

Hes gotta be better than Michael. I mean his team beat the 2018 Celtics.

 

[jontaejones]

One interesting way to look at it is ... to compare the players in their 30s. Or after physical peak.

Which I think LeBron is a better player because he is a better passer and rebounder.

I do think the younger Jordan was better than the younger LeBron because he had better body control and was a better shooter, at least close to the basket.

LeBron leaves a ton of shots hanging on the rim. Jordan always made those.

 

[DorianRo]

One interesting way to look at it is ... to compare the players in their 30s. Or after physical peak.

Which I think LeBron is a better player because he is a much better passer and rebounder.

I do think the younger Jordan was better because he had better body control and was a better shooter, at least close to the basket.

LeBron leaves a ton of shots hanging on the rim.

And Jordan was a much better scorer, more clutch and TWICE the defender even at 35 years old and and with a deadlier alpha-male personality.

 

[jontaejones]

And Jordan was a much better scorer, more clutch and TWICE the defender even at 35 years old and and with a deadlier alpha-male personality.

Honestly, if you compare the playoffs stats for the two players at age 33, you'd be shocked at what the disparity is.

 

[larryjohn]

And Jordan was a much better scorer, more clutch and TWICE the defender even at 35 years old and and with a deadlier alpha-male personality.

You know MJ retired from the Bulls when he was 34 years old -- right ?

 

[DorianRo]

You know MJ retired from the Bulls when he was 34 years old -- right ?

Nope. Born February 1963. They won the title in June 14th 1998

 

[DorianRo]

Hell, Jordan was a better defender at 38-40 years of age (with a bad knee) than Lebron is now. ROFLMAO

 

[DorianRo]

Honestly, if you compare the playoffs stats for the two players at age 33, you'd be shocked at what the disparity is.

Jordan was going 72-10 and starting a 2nd 3-peat. I think Id be more content with that than "just getting to the finals" playing a bunch of tomato can teams every year en route than getting pounced upon by a quality team.

Funny how the expectations of the LeTots always seem to fall where just getting to a finals is good enough. No one is gonna remember 20 years the TRASH Teams the Cavs/Heat beat to get to the finals

 

[larryjohn]

Nope. Born February 1963. They won the title in June 14th 1998

You are right. I screwed up my math. I was off by a few months.

Could you imagine Lebron retiring at the same age at MJ did ?

 

[larryjohn]

Hell, Jordan was a better defender at 38-40 years of age (with a bad knee) than Lebron is now. ROFLMAO

Yes -- his Wizards' teams dominated.

 

[DorianRo]

You are right. I screwed up my math. I was off by a few months.

Could you imagine Lebron retiring at the same age at MJ did ?

Well imagine if Jordan didn't retire right in the middle of his peak. Chalk another 2 titles, 2 FMVPs, 2 scoring titles, and probably 6-7 straight ships

 

[larryjohn]

Well imagine if Jordan didn't retire right in the middle of his peak. Chalk another 2 titles, 2 FMVPs, 2 scoring titles, and probably 6-7 straight ships

The other way to look at it ... he got to rest his body for 2 years ... and not put it through what Lebron has been doing.

Somehow I think playing 48 minutes carrying an average team to NBA finals was a little harder than baseball in minor leagues in Alabama.

 

[DorianRo]

The other way to look at it ... he got to rest his body for 2 years ... and not put it through what Lebron has been doing.

Somehow I think playing 48 minutes carrying an average team to NBA finals was a little harder than baseball in minor leagues in Alabama.

Maybe if the Eastern Conference was quality you would have a point. Cavs are average this year, but the East was once again far BELOW average

 

[handicappers]

LeBron > Jordan

 

[msgkings322]

It's getting harder to think anything other than MJ and LeBron as 1a and 1b. As I've stated many times, there's no definitive way to 'prove' this debate. But if you aren't appreciating the greatness you are seeing, you are missing out and I feel bad for you.

I was an adult during the Jordan era and it was awesome. I'm now enjoying the LeBron/Warriors era and it's just as awesome.

 

[PhoenixEagles1]

Mike is the greatest but I don’t understand why Lebron gets so much criticism. He fucking incredible

 

[SU Nittany Tide]

Did MJ need to join forces with 2 other superstars to win his first title?

LeBron is an awesome talent, but he's no Jordan. So please stop asking this stupid fucking question.

In fact, the next time you believe you're having an original thought, go take a dump and ask yourself if anybody can do that better than yourself...

Nah. Hosted front office provided them.