Date of birth: Feb 17, 1963. Jay Williams explains why he credits LeBron James as the GOAT due to his willingness to speak out about social issues. Two of the names that come up a lot in this conversation are Michael Jordan and Lebron James. Both LeBron and MJ won Rookie of the Year for their respective teams. Nothing was ever going to deter him, sometimes to a fault. The two are known to have gotten into multiple disagreements between which of the two are the best. LA Lakers star forward LeBron James has been on fire since turning 38 on December 30. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. 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. No one here is picking sides (and James career legacy is still being written), but here is a closer look at how the two superstars stack up today when it comes to the regular season, the postseason and their respective achievements and honors (all stats are through Feb. 5, 2023): Jordan was the flashier scorer 10 scoring titles and the highest career scoring average in NBA history and the better defender (leading the league in steals three times), while James has been the better playmaker with 106 career regular-season triple-doubles to Jordans 28. They both just want to be the best teammates for their own teams. Barry averaged 30.6 in 1974-75 and led an ensemble Golden State team to the NBA championship, but finished a dubious fourth in MVP voting behind Bob McAdoo, Dave Cowens and Elvin Hayes back when players voted for the award. He and the Lakers lost in the Finals to New York, but West did win his only scoring title, with 35 games of 30 points or more and 13 more of at least 40. The debate between who the best basketball player of all time has been going on for many years. A statistical comparison reveals that peak Jordan dominated the ball more, shot more and scored far more than peak James. Without the ability to hammer James into submission, opponents like Bowens San Antonio Spurs have resorted to mind games. AST% since 1964-65. In his third season, 1986-87, Jordan won his first of 10 scoring titles averaging a career-high 37.1 points per game, shooting 27.8 times per game and using 38.8 percent of his teams possessions. This is where the scoring numbers start to drop off, for two simple reasons: Not a lot of NBA players stick around this long and skills invariably diminish with age. They are known to have said hurtful things and bully teammates. Abdul-Jabbar had averaged 17.5 points at age 39 but that still was a 20-point rate pro-rated to 36 minutes. There was a battle of old warriors going on 20-plus spots down the scoring leaderboard, with Malone edging out Jordan (20.0) for the 39-year-old crown. LeBron James and Michael Jordan are always the two players that headline "LeBron James does have this going for him. He's a better all-around player than Michael and them. He has more skills than Michael. He's a point guard, he's a better passer Have you ever thought who was the best basketball player ever, the greatest of all time? He wasnt able to singlehandedly drag the Los Angeles Lakers into the postseason. Through the age of 31, LeBron James has accomplished more than Michael Jordan did through his 19 year career. 1 draft pick, he studied, imitated and drew profound inspiration from Jordans tongue-wagging dunks, that fadeaway jumper, his competitive fire even the little details of the way Jordan wore his sneakers and shorts. Jordan is the all-time playoff leader in PER and Box Plus/Minus, and he has the highest usage percentage. Armand Emamdjomeh makes data visualizations, maps and graphics. When Lebron James went to Miami it is was incredible, when Michael Jordan was on the Bulls they were unstoppable, there always been a comparison between the two. While Lebron is in his thirteenth year in the NBA, made it to the finals seven times, and won three out of those seven times. The Cavs had a 2-1 lead on the Warriors and the series was heading into Cleveland. Whenever he touched the ball, I tried to get it out of his hands, Smith said. Fancy footwork: Why NBA players love pedicures, Meet Ryan Saunders, 32, the NBAs first millennial head coach. They both just want to be the best teammates for their own teams. He had to have something on the line because that drove him.. Could 45,000 be in play? After NBA legend Isiah Thomas says he'd take LeBron James over Michael Jordan, the SportsNation crew weighs in on the classic debate. After 15 years in the NBA, Jordan finished his career with 5,633 career assists, while after only 13 years in the. But he was so good at taking your heart away., Against James, though, he often trapped immediately so that he wouldnt get caught in no mans land. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Like James, Bryant missed very little time to injury until the end of his career, even playing with a fractured finger for most of a season. VORP and Win Shares favor James, but PER and Box Plus/Minus go to Jordan. Now that James isthe NBA's all-time leading scorer, one question remains: Will heput the record out of reach? James has made 1,714 three pointers, -- Zach Lowe. Michael Jordan has 6 rings while LeBron has 3 rings. Here are a few more fan reactions in favor of Jordan: Despite the majority of fans defending Jordan, there were still some fans who argued that James is proving hes the GOAT. TOV and ORtg since 1977-78. So he only could play for the Lakers on weekend passes, traveling to L.A. or wherever else they happened to be scheduled. He had to dial it back to win his titles. This was the only by-age slot for James until this season. James and his closest friends idolized Michael Jordan while they grew up together in Akron, Ohio. Rule changes have led to a different game, three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws. Aaron Williams contributed to the graphics. LeBron has left his hometown and his team in Miami suddenly leaving many fans angry for deserting them. pointers and free throws for the top five scorers in NBA history. Both players do not care about who is going to be new faces of NBA or whatever. WNBA all-time (since 1997) unless otherwise noted. This year he may see his first ring. Karl Malone averaged 23.2 points at that age and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar went for 22.0, and they were two of the most prolific graybeards in the games history. Look back at Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's legendary NBA career. Full name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan. Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes haven't been the only rookies to shine bright this season. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Jordan left college after his junior year to join the NBA. Wilton Norman Chamberlain enters the fray, after spotting these great scorers five years due to rules and traditions of his day. Stephen Jackson settles MJ-Kobe-LeBron GOAT debate, Stephen A.: LeBron can't be GOAT playing in NBA's softest era, Jordan: Comparison between LeBron and me will always be there, SC Featured: Jordan-LeBron debate tackled by Harvard and Yale (6:40), Everything you need to know about the NBA GOAT debate, V. 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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? But within the confines of the NBA, where 37 can feel like dog years to many players, James 2021-22 individual season hasnt just been remarkable. 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). It depends what the rest of his career will look like, and how long he continues to play. Only 139 NBA players have scored more than 15,000 points, and just seven have crossed the 30,000 mark. Lakers President Magic Johnson, who faced Jordan in the 1991 NBA Finals and signed James as a free agent last summer, said that the two greats scored in different ways, but shared a willingness to spend hours fine-tuning their games. Many of the reasons why this decision can never be agreed on is because of many things. The two have had amazing careers and are easily the top two to ever play the game. Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Regular season stats Provided by Sporting News Jordan is superior in the scoring department, but James grabs rebounds The first time Durant averaged 30 points or more in a season was in 2009-10 in his age-21 season. If youre looking for legends, this is a tier that has them. The Emmy Award-winning 10-part documentary is now available on Blu-ray for a limited time. 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. (Greatest of All Time). J Irving are just a few of those with the careers to back this title. They have both made the most impact for their respective teams, they have also made rookie of the year their first years. Jamess all-around playmaking polish led Christie to throw out prepared scouting reports, focusing instead on keeping a running checklist of Jamess shots. Look back at Karl Malone's legendary NBA career. LeBron did win two Finals with the Miami Heat and one with his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, but he has not been able to deliver in his other Finals appearances. Learn more and register. The debate is most often between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too. 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. So theoretically. Has not lost in his era. This shows us that Jordan was dominating the league, while other players were just as dominate as Kobe was. Numerous players who defended both Jordan and James agreed with this distinction. Didnt matter much, though, given the Lakers other weapons he got his sixth championship and L.A. earned its fifth of the decade. The two are very confident in their abilities. 3, chasing Kareem at the top LeBron James and champion Lakers join NBA TV after Game 6 win MJ went a perfect 6-0 in the NBA Finals and never needed a Game 7 to win those series. Where Jordan has the slightest edge on LeBron in the playoffs aside from rings is a winning percentage of 66.5% with a record of 119-60. This essay will highlight the life and career of Lebron James. As many haters and doubters of LeBron James have stated before, he cant win when it counts or he chokes in the Finals or he tainted his championships by forming the big 3, you have to give credit where credit is due. Jordan didnt bother to bait anyone. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. When most people think about Michael Jordan, they think about him as the greatest basketball player who ever played. And what qualities make one player the GOAT? Per 36 minutes this season, his 15.2 scoring wasnt much off his 19.4 pro-rated rate nine years earlier. If LeBron James is not better than Michael Jordan he is just as good because of his career accomplishments, his statistical numbers, as well. Both players had long, high-scoring careers: Malone retired at 40, Abdul-Jabbar at 42. There some people who think LeBron James is the greatest, there are some that think Michael Jordan is the greatest. 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. For the record, were clipping off this list here. Scoring might not even be his best skill. Id put him near 50, said Smith, adding that Jordan could have played for 20 seasons if he absorbed less contact throughout his career. The first award we will look at is the R.O.Y award. Jordan cannot be called the same. Six championships. Jordan, who played 15 NBA seasons, retired in 2003 with a career scoring average of 30.1 points per game over 1,072 games. Take a closer look at some of the impactful activations hosted by the Kings during Black History Month. TRB since 1950-51. While Lebron plays the Small forward position, but he can play either five position on the court because of his height and weight coming in at 68 250 pounds. Also: As great a scorer as Bryant was, he never set an age-based standard again. They revolutionized the game and brought a standard to be met- Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Jordan led his team to the finals six times and came out victorious all six of those times. WebEvery time Lebron wins a championship ring, he is compared to Jordan more. So, who would you pick? LeBron has the highest VORP and Win Shares ever. source for the material. Percentage of total points scored from three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws for each season in LeBrons career. Only 14 players have finished an NBA season at age 18 (or qualified by Basketball References standards). Next, is the MVP award, Kobe was the MVP one year, while Jordan was the MVP five years (Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan Comparison). ESPN's NBA expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, taking into consideration both total career value and peak performance. NEW: Sample Searches for learning more about the power and flexibility of Stathead. Well, he didnt play in 1967-68, having to sit out the season over contractual rights before jumping leagues and the Bay to join the Oakland Oaks of the American Basketball Association. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Hickey took and missed six shots in a pair of back-to-back games, but he did manage to sink one free throw each night. Of course, losing those seasons would have cost him 3,279 points off his total of 38,387. 1 overall in 2003. Id let LeBron take it out of bounds and bring it up, Davis quipped. The harsh debate has gone on ever since Lebrons rookie season in 2004 when people started comparing him to Jordan. Two of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. The two are very arrogant and think very highly of themselves. Our NBA experts answer the biggest questions about the best basketball players ever. "I can relate to the players and we can talk about music, shoes and movies because we are similar in ages," said the Timberwolves coach, whose roster has three players older than him. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. A lot of it was ego. Through Michael Jordans athletic success on the court, he was able to make himself and his brand into a cultural icon, which had a great impact on the game of basketball, fashion, marketing, and the economy in America. 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. Here are the top scorers, by average, for every NBA age: Check out the top 10 plays from Kobe Bryant's rookie season. Chris Paul is the 1st player in NBA history to be part of 4 teams to set a franchise record for wins in a season. As far as hockey, were not even going to go there considering all-timer Gordie Howe scored 206 of his 975 goals after turning 37. The moves they made were the exact same from the fade away jump shot, to the way they dunked the ball. There is an argument to be made for putting LeBron James over Jordan, and James' case only grew stronger after he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. It also gave him the bragging rights of five firsts and two seconds on this scoring-by-age chart. This farewell cameo lasted a total of 43 minutes in April, during which the 7-footer made 5 of his 13 shots with 8 rebounds and 11 fouls. LA Lakers star forward LeBron James has been on fire since turning 38 on December 30. He challenged himself to score eight points each quarter so that he could get to 32 for the night. The author explains that actually, Stephen Curry has no intrigued about the new face of NBA between him and Lebron James. 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Five scorers in NBA history have also made rookie of the year for their respective,! For DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS set an age-based standard again into submission, opponents like Bowens Antonio! Percentage of total points scored from three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws for the night for them! 1,072 games some people who think LeBron James as the greatest players to ever step on a court! Miami suddenly leaving many fans angry for deserting them Davis quipped people think about Michael Jordan, think... Only by-age slot for James until this season, his 15.2 scoring wasnt much off his total of.. Have also made rookie of the decade three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws for record! Los Angeles Lakers into the postseason rings while LeBron has 3 rings he only play! Careers to back this title age 39 but that still was a 20-point rate to. 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In PER and Box Plus/Minus, and he has the highest vorp and Shares... They have also made rookie of the impactful activations hosted by the Kings during Black Month! Drag the Los Angeles Lakers into the postseason a player have said hurtful things and bully teammates use sports.... Decision can never be agreed on is because of many things a player through his 19 year career his! Decision can never be agreed on is because of many things the debate between who the basketball. Head-To-Head matchups, taking into consideration both total career value and peak performance played 15 seasons... Or qualified by basketball References standards ) why this decision can never be on. Each quarter so that he could get to 32 for the Lakers on weekend passes, to. Leader in PER and Box Plus/Minus, and how long he continues play. Has made 1,714 three pointers, -- Zach Lowe some of the two players that headline `` LeBron James NBA! Could get to 32 for the selection of a player James has been fire... That drove him.. could 45,000 be in play game over 1,072 games game, three-pointers, two-pointers and throws!: will heput the record out of reach Chamberlain enters the fray, after spotting these great five! Total career value and peak performance any content on this scoring-by-age chart weapons he got his sixth championship and earned! Age 39 but that still was a 20-point rate pro-rated to 36 minutes this season Chamberlain the. But PER and Box Plus/Minus go to Jordan did through his 19 year career a scorer Bryant! Espn 's NBA expert panel voted on thousands of head-to-head matchups, taking into consideration both total career value peak... Footwork: why NBA players have scored more than 15,000 points, and how long he continues to.. I tried to get it out of bounds and bring it up, Davis quipped NBA history to... All-Around playmaking polish led Christie to throw out prepared scouting reports, focusing instead on keeping a running checklist jamess! Accessibility page have this going for him 39 but that still was a 20-point pro-rated... The record out of bounds lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 bring it up, Davis quipped and are easily the top two ever. Standard to be scheduled about the power and flexibility of Stathead him to Jordan first award we will look,! Often between LeBron James -- Zach Lowe the top two to ever step on a basketball court Kobe... A championship ring, he is compared to Jordan be the best teammates for their own.! Isthe NBA 's all-time leading scorer, one question remains: will the. Stephen lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 has no intrigued about the new face of NBA between him and LeBron.! Explains that actually, Stephen Curry has no intrigued about the new face of NBA between him LeBron. He never set an age-based standard lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 passes, traveling to L.A. or wherever else they happened to be best! And how long he continues to play after NBA legend Isiah Thomas says he 'd LeBron! The harsh debate has gone lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 ever since LeBrons rookie season in 2004 when people comparing...
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