At this point, one can’t mention either LeBron James or Michael Jordan without mentioning the other.
As the debate of which of them is the greatest player of all-time rages on, it’s become increasingly clear that the basketball world is looking at their side-by-side at the wrong angle. There are not two GOATs battling for supremacy. There’s one two-headed GOAT that is sovereign among hoops royalty.
LeBron James Matches Another Michael Jordan Record
On Saturday, James continued to prove that to be true as he joined Jordan as the only player 39 or older to score 40 or more points in multiple games.
The only 39 year olds in NBA history with multiple 40-point games in a season. pic.twitter.com/1kOAM15V55
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 17, 2024
Once again dominant against the Golden State Warriors, James finished his night with 40 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, one steal, and one block and 38 minutes. Going 15-23 from the floor, 3-5 from 3, and 7-8 from the charity stripe, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was efficient throughout.
However, every time he and the Lakers threw a punch, the Warriors hit back. Ultimately, in what’s been a theme throughout James’ career —and the difference between him and Jordan —his efforts were all for naught. The Lakers fell 128-121, unable to overcome 80 combined points from Stephen Curry (31), Klay Thompson (26), and Jonathan Kuminga (23).
James has had several historic moments this season. His most notable was becoming the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 career points. Achieving the feat only this month, these performances so late in his career help don’t just his longevity into perspective. It’s always another way to measure his stature among the league greats.
32 players have played at 39 years or older, including James. Several, including Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Tim Duncan, have been considered among the top five players in NBA history. For James to stand with Jordan —arguably the most decorated player of all-time —on the mountaintop even in ‘longevity stats’ is just another indication of his being at the head of the class.
How Much Longer Can James Dominate?
James can still devastate the rim on the drives to the hoop.
The loss of the burst he had in his youth has made his first step less threatening than in past years. However, he’s still athletic enough —and more than strong enough —to make it to the rim all but at will. Of course, he’s not finishing as high above the rim as his younger days. Nonetheless, always great at putting the English on his layups, the ambidextrous all-timer is a threat even below the rim.
Still, James’ touch from the perimeter may be the ultimate predictor of his future success. To that point, James is shooting 40.6 percent from 3, tied for his career-high.
The timeless wonder has fallen victim to his most severe injuries since joining the Lakers. However, he can preserve his body by continuing to lean into this part of his game. At the end of the day, his only battle is his against himself. Against his body. He can win that with his mind, his experience, his craftiness, and his shooting touch,
