Recently I’ve read too many tweets and forum posts regarding the comparisons between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Many have argued that LeBron is better than Jordan simply because of his body build. I just don’t see how that matters seeing as their roles on their respective teams are so different (“Allen Iverson” ring a bell?). Here are my top reasons why LBJ and MJ should never be compared:
1. Different eras:
Michael Jordan’s career started in the 80s and ended the year before LeBron came into the league as a rookie. Times are different, meaning they each played different teams and players. You’re telling me that the competition Wilt Chamberlain had in is era can compare to the competition Jordan had? I don’t think so. Yet Chamberlain is regarded as one of the greatest ballers of all-time. You can’t compare apples and oranges. It would make sense if you compared LeBron to Kobe and MJ to Magic, however.
2. Different styles:
LeBron has much more of a slashing aspect to his game, and his 6’8” 240 pound body speaks for his aggressiveness around the rim. Jordan had his own game toying with defenders, getting them to bite on shot fakes to drive right by them, and if they didn’t bite, he’d shoot it right in their grillhouse. Jordan was also 6’6”, and primarily stuck to SG and some PG, but LeBron plays nearly every position on the floor when demanded. My point is that it is nearly impossible to compare the two simply on the fact that their games were different. You’d never compare a QB to a defensive lineman.
3. LeBron’s career:
LBJ is a little over halfway done through his career, and people are already calling him the best player of all-time? (First, if you believe this, go on Youtube and look up Jordan’s playoff games.) LeBron has won 2 championships, Michael Jordan has 6. I would start comparing LeBron’s career to MJ’s if he had at least 5 championships, but LBJ isn’t even on Kobe’s level yet. Sure he’s a phenomenal talent, but his career is nowhere close to being finished, so current comparisons are redundant.
Who do I think is better? After watching thousands of hours on Jordan tape, as well as being a Cavs fan and seeing LeBron play every night, I honestly believe it is Jordan. MJ had a ferocious and insanely clutch part of his game where he put the team on his back. LeBron has done the same at points, but not consistently in his stint with the Heat. Heck, if it wasn’t for Ray Allen’s Game 6 shot to send the Heat into OT vs the Spurs this past Finals, LBJ wouldn’t even be mentioned near Michael Jordan. Again, until we hear 5 or 6 rings from LeBron, the greatest of all-time calls won’t be heard from him.
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Lebron Photo Credit: Keith Allison via photopin cc
Jordan Photo Credit: Lipofsky, Wiki Commons
