ESPN’s “The Last Dance” documentary series showed a younger generation of NBA fans just how great Michael Jordan was. For those who witnessed Jordan’s brilliance, it only reinforced the belief that he was the greatest player to ever play in the NBA.
Of course, the emergence of LeBron James has undermined the argument that MJ is the GOAT. Many believe that James’s durability and prodigy make him worthy of being the GOAT, especially since the LA Lakers star just became the first player to reach 40,000 points.
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Regular season stats
On a game-by-game basis, Jordan is superior in scoring, but James is superior in rebounds and assists. Both are excellent wing defenders, and Jordan has led the league in steals three times, while James has never topped that stat.
But in terms of playing time, James has the clear advantage. The gap between the two will only widen, as James remains healthy and shows no signs of slowing down at 39.
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Regular Season Advanced Stats
VORP and Win Shares favor James, but PER and Box Plus/Minus favor Jordan.
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Playoff Stats
There wasn’t much difference from the regular season, with Jordan excelling in scoring, while James was better at rebounds and assists.
Although James has continuously changed himself, from a player who specializes in shooting close to the basket and relies heavily on physical strength to a smarter player and has significantly improved his 3-point shooting ability. However, the truth is that his 3-point shooting percentage is not much better than Jordan’s in the Playoffs.
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Advanced Playoff Stats
Jordan led in PER and Box Plus/Minus in the Playoffs, while James led in VORP and Win Shares.
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Titles and Awards
Michael Jordan is famous for going 6-0 in the NBA Finals and never needing a game 7 to end a series.
Meanwhile, James has a 4-6 record in 10 NBA Finals appearances, but consecutive final appearances with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are still an achievement not to be underestimated.
