To any basketball fan, this is a topic that has almost become a nuisance in the sports world. Who is better Michael Jordan or Lebron James? Both players are without a doubt two of the best to ever step foot on the hardwood. Michael Jordan has captivated an entire generation in the 90s with 6 NBA finals victories has acquainted himself with many as being the greatest of all time (GOAT). To many of the younger NBA fans, Lebron James has proven his case to them through a variety of statistical records that won’t soon be broken as well as 10 trips to the finals. Both players have done amazing things throughout their respective careers, and this debate has gone on for quite some time, and most times it ends with many saying Jordan is the GOAT. Has anything changed?
In the past, I have seen Lebron James take inferior teams to the finals, like the 2018 Cleveland Cavaliers who did not have a single other all-star on the team. I have also seen Lebron James shrink away in the biggest moments with a loaded team, look no further than his 2011 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Lebron was heavily favored to win those finals with one of the best teams ever assembled, but could not come through when they needed him to. Lebron has developed and grown his killer mentality as the years have gone on, but many who swear Lebron is best seem to forget the process of learning he had to go through. While Lebron has taken the second most trips to the NBA finals with 10, he has the most championship losses at 6. Some of those squads Lebron should have lead to victory. There is no excuse in my eyes losing to the Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs. Even though they are good teams, the Miami Heat had Lebron in his prime, an older but still all-star in Dwyane Wade, and another all-star in Chris Bosh.
What can Lebron do to win this debate? Some analysts will tell you there is no possible way Lebron could beat Jordan and his perfect 6-0 record in the Finals. Some analysts say that he has already surpassed Jordan. The only way I could see Lebron Pass Michael Jordan would be if he leads the Lakers to three more finals victories. This would put Lebron’s final count at 7, and he would have performed higher than any player ever at that point in their career.
This will never happen. My recommendation to Lebron and his followers is to be satisfied with his career and his accomplishments. Quit trying to compare these two iconic players. They both played in very different eras and had to endure different roadblocks on the way to victory. Lebron will likely go down as the second-best player ever when he is done playing. Eventually, as Jordan’s witnesses to his greatness start to pass on, there will be a time where many may call Lebron the GOAT years from now.
What do you think? Is Jordan the GOAT? Can Lebron catch his legacy? Let me know what you think in the comment section.
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