Quote:Also you have to remember that Jordan played in a higher scoring era than we are in right now.

 

not significantly higher scoring 1 or 2 points a season difference with many seasons evening out according to league averages.

Quote:Better shooter.... Jordan

More clutch.... Jordan

Better passer.... LeBron

Better rebounder.... LeBron

Defense.... Even



I think this breakdown is fair.

 

Defensively Jordan has takes the cake there, Lebron is good on Defense Jordan was exceptional. Jordan has more blocks as well in less seasons, if you only count his chicago years.  All in less games... 150 less games.  I'll agree with the other two parts.

Quote:While their defense is similar statistically, I give LeBron the edge because of his versatility. He can (and has) guard all 5 positions well. He is a SF/PF that shut down peak Derrick Rose in the ECF and shut down Curry whenever he matched up on him last NBA finals. That's incredibly impressive for a 6'8 250 pound player to be able to d up stud PGs.

Lebron can play all 5 positions well I can agree with that, however if Jordan played in this era he could do the same thing.  There are just not a lot of pure centers or power forwards in the league today.  It is a more versatile league and that factors into helping Lebron defend against 5* positions.  Is Love a power forward in Jordan's era or a small forward? Lebron has always been a PG in the body of a PF.


Lebron's attributes that are better than Jordan's aren't significant statistically enough compared to the areas Jordan was better at.


1.5 assists more vs 3 more points.  1 more rebound vs .7 more steals.   .7 less turnovers per game.  Jordan has more blocks at a smaller size. 6-0 in the finals.  4 more defensive 1st teams.  9 more scoring titles.  3 time steals leader.  The playoffs ppg difference.


This is a great time to have this debate because Lebron is only 11 games away from the total games Jordan played in his career so statistically they are at their most comparable now even with Jordans Washington years.  

 

What are going to happen to Lebrons numbers over the next couple years when his game starts to deteriorate more?

How much better are Jordans if he doesn't go play baseball?

 

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