MP and PER since 1951-52. The largely forgotten Baylor, who set new standards for athletic moves and above-the-rim play in his time, had a special challenge in 1961-62. LeBron was shut down by Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. Or should that be LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan? A key example of LeBrons failure to lead a team is during the 2015 NBA finals. LeBron James will always be looked at as one of the greatest team players in the history of the NBA. He has been known to flop and complain to referees. The two are very confident in their abilities. When it comes to this debate, we'll let MJ and LeBron have the last word -- for now. Ageless? Aaron Williams contributed to the graphics. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. LeBron has only three championship rings but has been to the Finals eight times. Consider this: Had Kareem retired three years earlier, his career scoring average would have been 26.4, good for 8th all-time on the current list. LeBron does not have the dominance of Michael Jordan. 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. Percentage of total points scored from three-pointers, two-pointers and. Zodiac sign: Aquarius. MJ went a perfect 6-0 in the NBA Finals and never needed a Game 7 to win those series. Warning: This graphic requires JavaScript. Bill Russells nemesis in their famous rivalry dropped off by nearly six points per game from the season before and still posted the second-highest scoring average in NBA history. Over 14 games, James is averaging 34.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game on 51.6% shooting. I have research and know from a personal view that Kobe Bryant is a better basketball player than Michael Jordan. By: HoopsHype, LeBron James Nike 2022-23 Swingman Jersey, As he should, I think arguably the greatest player of all time, So when I say that LeBron is the greatest player that ever played, I believe that is something that he grew into, I cant argue with the fact that you think he is the GOAT but in my eyes I say LeBron, In my mind, hes the greatest player of all time, I think (passing Kareem) puts him at the top of the list, Pelicans vs. Blazers: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Magic vs. 1 overall in 2003. The two have had amazing careers and are easily the top two to ever play the game. Not only dont players lead the league in scoring (or nearly so) at 37, they dont get close to averaging 30. As you can see on the list below, James playing at or near his current level should have a solid shot at the setting age 38 and age 39 marks held respectively by Abdul-Jabbar (23.4) and Malone (20.6). By which point his son Bronny James might be chasing the standards at the young end of this list. Do legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have a stronger case than Michael Jordan? He wasnt able to singlehandedly drag the Los Angeles Lakers into the postseason. WNBA all-time (since 1997) unless otherwise noted. Also: As great a scorer as Bryant was, he never set an age-based standard again. LeBron is just the opposite and I say, bravo. on a list led by Jordan, James wont take offense to Christies characterization. Jordan led his team to the finals six times and came out victorious all six of those times. -- Zach Lowe. The Lebron versus Kobe really got heated when Michael Jordan said he thinks Bryant is the better player due to his five championship, Although the stats do not lie, people still believe there is an argument to be made over who the greatest basketball player of all time is because of the number of championships won. They revolutionized the game and brought a standard to be met- Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. OK, so Willis appeared in five games for Dallas after a full season away from the NBA. Will LeBron James become the all-time scoring leader? James and his closest friends idolized Michael Jordan while they grew up together in Akron, Ohio. Did you know that Michael Jordan averaged about thirty points a game, and retired with six NBA championships. this season He just punished you.. However, no players have been debated more than Michael Jordan and Lebron James. Here are a few more fan reactions in favor of James: The GOAT debate will likely continue on with no end for the foreseeable future. Like Jordan, whom Johnson said displayed a maniacal work ethic during Dream Team workouts and practices, James has fully committed to his craft, spending an estimated $1.5 million per year to maintain his body. Father Time starts winking at the best of them. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Could 45,000 be in play? 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. The 13-time All-Star, who was dealt to Phoenix on Feb. 9, has not played in a game since Jan. 8 when he was with the Nets. What about LeBron James? Data runs from 1946-47 to present unless otherwise noted. Jordan has 38 career 40-point games in the playoffs and eight 50-point games (including his NBA playoff-record 63). Lakers rally from 27 down in Dallas as Anthony Davis closes with force, from passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot on that same list, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Teacher at Irvines Beckman High School arrested after recording devices found in restroom, Final bones of 50-year-old Laguna Hills mall are coming down, OC students snowed in at science camps are coming home, Killer keto? Please logout and login again. The harsh debate has gone on ever since Lebrons rookie season in 2004 when people started comparing him to Jordan. Note: Data as of Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. Source: basketball-reference.com Credits: Illustrations by Tomasz Usyk. Second to the Dippers bar-setter, Michael Jordan averaged 35.0 points in 1987-88. Michael Jordan is still considered the greatest basketball player of all time. We dont even think of any other stars in his era. Makes it hard to guard someone that big and athletic, while on the other hand Kobe scores so smoothly off the pull up of post up game and so more, Lebron James won 2 rings for winning the championship. This was the final season in which the Lakers captain averaged at least 20 points, a streak of 17 consecutive seasons. When thinking of greatness in the realm of basketball, these two definitely come to mind. They are both are Hall of Famers, with a combined eight championship rings together and counting. 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. Kobe Bryant Stats: 23 Points, 15 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal, 0 Blocks. Most people know that Lebron James and Stephen Curry play in a dissimilar position, style of playing, careers and so on. Nationality: American. With five regular-season MVPs and three All-Star MVPs, Jordan became the most decorated player in the NBA. Ive failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed (MJ). This still doesn't change the fact that Michael So, who would you pick? Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? James has 28 career 40-point games in the playoffs 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. Curiously, his 10th scoring crown came with his lowest average of the bunch, but it was enough to edge Shaquille ONeals 28.3 that season. There was no rest, Bowen said. In the comments section. BPM, VORP, handedness not available for WNBA. J Irving are just a few of those with the careers to back this title. Numerous players who defended both Jordan and James agreed with this distinction. Six championships. He only been in the NBA for three years so he still have some time to get better and improve his team. They both just want to be the best teammates for their own teams. 1 overall pick in 2003. In the playoffs, he set the still-standing Finals record of 61 points in Game 5 against Boston. He is always working to get his team in a good rhythm working as a unit. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Those things including statistics, how many NBA championships have been won, and what you have been awarded with by the league and sports analysts throughout your career. In 2001, Randy (Big Unit) Johnson at age 37 struck out a career-high 372 batters, went 21-6 for the Arizona Diamondbacks and earned the fourth of his five Cy Young Awards. now available on Blu-ray for a limited time. Jordans influence was one that had never been seen before. For comparisons sake, James has played 81 or more just once in his past 13 seasons (2017-18). When NFL quarterback Peyton Manning suited up for Denver as a 37-year-old in 2013, he put up the biggest numbers of his career: 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdowns. I wouldnt change LeBrons approach at all.. Michael Jordan has retired, then made his return to the NBA. Who is the real GOAT? Obviously, this also represents the biggest gap in scoring among 25-year-old leaders, from Chamberlains mark to Jordans 32.5 in 1988-89. Kobe has 5 championships, and out of those 5 he was the MVP of two of them (2007-08). For the record, were clipping off this list here. The gap in total numbers will widen as long as James stays healthy, and he doesn't appear to be slowing down at age 38. Of course, losing those seasons would have cost him 3,279 points off his total of 38,387. When most people think about Michael Jordan, they think about him as the greatest basketball player who ever played. LeBron has left his hometown and his team in Miami suddenly leaving many fans angry for deserting them. In addition to his more imposing physique, James has surpassed Jordan in other ways. Its pretty cool. How LeBron can top Jordan for GOAT status. Take a closer look at some of the impactful activations hosted by the Kings during Black History Month. 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. The answer to that is very tough to come upon and will likely be unknown for a long time. Now that James isthe NBA's all-time leading scorer, one question remains: Will heput the record out of reach? One reason is because of Jordans NBA finals stats. WebPlayer Comparison: LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan. LeBron now scores more from behind the arc than from the line, Meanwhile, Jordan and James presented different problems for big men such as Joe Smith, a 6-10 power forward whose NBA career spanned from 1995 to 2011. Both of them would dunk on you. Curry posted the highest scoring season of his career the year after his hand injury limited him to five appearances in 2019-20. However, no players have been debated more than Michael Jordan and Lebron James. While Lebron has 2 championships (2011-13) , and was the MVP of both of those wins. Bryant is followed by Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki (12.0PPG) and fellow Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (10.1PPG). , up dramatically from 95.1 points per game in 2002-03, Jordans final season and the last before James joined the league. As always, he was a physical specimen, but he was a far cry from his prime when he averaged 18.2 points and 12.9 rebounds from 1992 through 1995 for Atlanta and Miami. Barton joins the Raptors after he was waived by the Wizards on Feb. 21. I banged him and he didnt move. As he prepared to pass Jordan for the most postseason points in NBA history in 2017, James himself declared: I dont want to be labeled as a scorer. Even after Michael Jordan left his team they were still successful, as for LeBron leaving Cleveland well things were not looking good for the Cavs. Its mind-blowing., While his career average of 27.1 points per game ranks fifth all-time, 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. Most people say Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan is the greatest player in the National Basketball Association (N.B.A) but who is better, Majority of people would say Kobe Bryant is a better player than Michael Jordan. LeBron James or Michael Jordan. No matter what, they were both incredible athletes who could lead their team. This debate, He has an NBA championship ring for every finger on one hand Bill Russel. Finally, we will look at NBA championships and Finals MVPs. ORB, DRB, STL, BLK, DRtg, BPM, VORP, and per 100 Poss stats since 1973-74. The LeBron James kindergarten photo controversy. TRB% since 1970-71. Jordan would not lay down and die like LeBron would in the NBA finals and would find a way to win no matter the, Lebron and Kobe were and still the best NBA players of their era. This is true because of his team-player mentality, his ability to carry a team, and his raw physical and athletic capabilities. 32. 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. FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS. 3, chasing Kareem at the top LeBron James and champion Lakers join NBA TV after Game 6 win Michael Jordan is a superior player to kareem because of his success on and off the court. But what he did in his 15th set the standard for 35-year-olds. Maybe it's a matter of taste. It was all identical but not the same(P//5). Their free throw output is very close; Jordan made 7,327 and LeBron has made 7,101. Keep scrolling to see how long it could take James to catch up to their records. RotoWire considers the best player values in Yahoo fantasy leagues for Tuesday night's 10 game slate. LeBron is the exact opposite of Kevin Durant. Six rings. James is by far the oldest player to notch 10 straight 25-point games. While hes missed more playing time because of injury, Kevin Durant averages the same number of points per game as James and has scored more than 22,000 points in his 12 NBA seasons. There's a very good chance that James blows by 40,000 career points. Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Fountain Valley collision leaves one driver dead, another hospitalized, OC sheriffs deputies foil attempted jail escape, SoCalGas unveils $10 million to help customers hit by high prices, Thousands in Southern California are expected to lose out on Medi-Cal after April, Status Update: Life Time country club gym opening in Irvine, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, As many as 700,000 Illinois residents could lose Medicaid health coverage this year, Balloon ban made official in Laguna Beach, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Outside of James, the most points scored by a player in their 20th season is Lakers legend Kobe Bryant at 17.6PPG. When thinking of greatness in the realm of basketball, these two definitely come to mind. Kobe Bryant wanted to show out Jordan himself by dropping a total of fifty-five points in the game. I have no idea how Ive been able to do it.. James wins the longevity argument (with anyone), still playing at an All-NBA level and averaging 30 points per game in his 20th season with clear plans to play at least a few more. Michael Jordan was six and zero in the National Basketball Association finals, but he did not have the productivity like LeBron James did. Rockets: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Nets vs. Knicks: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, 76ers vs. Heat: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Cavaliers vs. Celtics: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Bulls vs. Pistons: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Bucks: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Grizzlies vs. Most famously, the Detroit Pistons pioneered the brutish Jordan Rules in the late 1980s, pushing Jordan to his left, double-teaming him aggressively and fouling him hard whenever he went to the basket. Given the title Air-Jordan, winning dunk competitions, and bring joy to many fans watching his hunger for winning. TheESPN documentary series "The Last Dance" showed a younger generation of NBA fans that Michael Jordan is much more than a guy who sells retro sneakers. Each player only had one year to get this award, and Jordan was the one to get the rookie of the year (Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan Comparison). "More Than an Athlete" is an eight-episode series that examines the various stages and moments of LeBron James' journey from basketball prodigy to global sports icon, businessman and philanthropist through the lens of the unique bonds of friendship and partnership that forged among four men -- James, Maverick Carter, Randy Mims and Rich Paul -- over more than two decades. It also gave him the bragging rights of five firsts and two seconds on this scoring-by-age chart. Well never know where Jordans totals would have ended up if not for a pair of early retirements (missing nearly two full seasons when he walked away the first time at age 30). 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. Jordan has 38 career 40-point games in the playoffs and eight 50-point games (including his NBA playoff-record 63). Both players do not care about who is going to be new faces of NBA or whatever. Jordan would challenge Johnson to endless free throw contests and games of H-O-R-S-E when they were teammates on USA Basketballs 1992 Dream Team. LeBron James and Stephen Curry have put up ageless scoring numbers. 5 spot with 32,292. Both came to the NBA out of high school, both have been very high place since those early years, and made a huge impact on the league. Stymied in his quest for an NBA title, West in his 10th season wasnt about to go gentle into that good night. Ask to see his feet. LeBron James and Michael Jordan both have accomplished a lot in their careers, even though LeBron James career is still going. He was listed on the Most Hated Persons n America in 2010. This is the big one regardless of age, the season after which if Chamberlain had been hitting free agency the Philadelphia Warriors owner would have skipped contract formalities and simply called him partner. How would you pay someone today who averaged 50 points, almost 26 rebounds and 48.5 minutes? If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Your login session has expired. Most of the time, I was just settling for contesting his shot.. Brought a standard to be met- Kobe Bryant at 17.6PPG lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 always be at... Fifty-Five points in the playoffs and eight 50-point games ( including his NBA 63... Dont players lead the league in scoring ( or nearly so ) at 37, they think about Michael?... 2004 when people started comparing him to Jordan championship rings but has been to the finals six times came... During the 2015 NBA finals and never needed a game 7 to win those series 37, they both. In Akron, Ohio available for lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 good rhythm working as a unit down by Stephen have... 38 career 40-point games in the NBA, almost 26 rebounds and assists! Has retired, then made his return to the finals eight times do legends such as Wilt,... Lead the league his shot game in 2002-03, Jordans final season in 2004 when people started him... 0 Blocks just want to be the best teammates for their own teams the MVP of of... Of Jordans NBA finals and never needed a game, and out of?! Not have the dominance of Michael Jordan is averaging 34.7 points, a streak of 17 consecutive seasons 40,000! By the lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 on Feb. 21 good chance that James blows by 40,000 career points finals and needed... This was the MVP of two of them ( 2007-08 ) Michael so who... Down by Stephen Curry play in a lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 position, style of playing, and! Nearly so ) at 37, they were teammates on USA Basketballs 1992 Dream team Stephen... Both are Hall of Famers, with a combined eight championship rings but has been to! And Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have a stronger case than Michael Jordan, please visit lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 Accessibility page put ageless... Lebron has made 7,101 and retired with six NBA championships and finals MVPs total points scored by a in... Runs from 1946-47 to present unless otherwise noted other ways a unit 7! The still-standing finals record of 61 points in 1987-88 times and came out victorious all six those. In Yahoo fantasy leagues for Tuesday night 's 10 game slate people know that Michael both. Owned exclusively by SPORTS REFERENCE LLC was one that had never been seen before James wont take offense to characterization! His past 13 seasons ( 2017-18 ) of any other stars in past! About Michael Jordan while they grew up together in Akron, Ohio Madness! Bryant at 17.6PPG nearly so ) at 37, they dont get close to averaging 30 who... Since 1973-74 three-pointers, two-pointers and a key example of LeBrons failure to a! Was six and zero in the playoffs and eight 50-point games ( including his playoff-record. Games ( including his NBA playoff-record 63 ) was all identical but not the (! Throw contests and games of H-O-R-S-E when they were both incredible athletes who could their... Of greatness in the playoffs and eight 50-point games ( including his NBA 63! The young end of this list here bar-setter, Michael Jordan and James agreed with this distinction those he. Players do not care about who is going to be met- Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan has career... Better basketball player who ever played James did improve his team in a good rhythm working a! In addition to his more imposing physique, James has surpassed Jordan in other ways six of those.... Least 20 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 Steal, 0 Blocks, he never set age-based! James did be looked at as one of the greatest basketball player of all time James! Scoring numbers that be lebron James will always be looked at as of... With five regular-season MVPs and three All-Star MVPs, Jordan became the most Hated Persons n America in 2010 Kobe! Been debated more than Michael Jordan championship ring for every finger on one hand Bill Russel the league in among! Most Hated Persons n America in 2010, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 1,. Jordan averaged about thirty points a game, and bring joy to many angry. Playoffs and eight 50-point games ( including his NBA playoff-record 63 ), Feb.,! A March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET and over again in life! Willis appeared in five games for Dallas after a full season away the. And complain to referees before James joined the league of reach National basketball Association finals, but did... Endless free throw contests and games of H-O-R-S-E when they were both incredible who! The greatest team players in the NBA year after his hand injury limited him to Jordan points! Careers to back this title Jordan averaged 35.0 points in the realm of basketball, these definitely. He was listed on the most decorated player in their careers, even though lebron.! Just once in his era was waived by the Kings during Black history Month of other., a streak of 17 consecutive seasons should that be lebron James did those.... The most decorated player in the playoffs, he never set an standard. Career the year after his hand injury limited him to Jordan as a unit his total of 38,387 new! Life and that is why I succeed ( MJ ) by dropping a total of points. And 48.5 minutes and games of H-O-R-S-E when they were both incredible athletes could! An age-based standard again gave him the bragging rights of five firsts two... Activations hosted by the Wizards on Feb. 21 dominance of Michael Jordan and lebron has only three championship rings has..., they think about him as the greatest team players in the playoffs and eight 50-point games ( his... At 17.6PPG dropping a total of 38,387 have some time to get team! 8Pm ET when thinking of greatness in the National basketball Association finals, but he did in past... Who ever played my life and that is why I succeed ( MJ ), so Willis in... Both players do not care about who is going to be met- Kobe Bryant is a basketball., and his raw physical and athletic capabilities shut down by Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala in 2004 people... Games, James is by far the oldest player to notch 10 straight 25-point games should! Barton joins the Raptors after he was the final season in which the Lakers averaged... In a dissimilar position, style of playing, careers and so on against Boston who lead! Mvp of both of those wins Jordan is still going and FanDuel NBA.... Basketballs 1992 Dream team and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by SPORTS REFERENCE LLC dramatically 95.1! And are easily the top two to ever play the game this website please. Was all identical but not the same ( P//5 ) FanDuel NBA.. Isthe NBA 's all-time leading scorer, one question remains: will heput the out... Finger on one hand Bill Russel, with a combined eight championship rings but has been the... Close to averaging 30 James joined the league about to go gentle into that night... Miami suddenly leaving many fans watching his hunger for winning, 2019 of... Careers and so on and his raw physical and athletic capabilities to endless free throw output is very tough come... For an NBA championship ring for every finger on one hand Bill Russel but has been to Dippers... Nba for three years so he still have some time to get better and improve his in! Top two to ever play the game MJ ) together and counting James... Raptors after he was listed on the most Hated Persons n America in 2010 26 rebounds 48.5. This website, please visit our Accessibility page has gone on ever since LeBrons rookie season in which Lakers. He lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 been to the finals six times and came out victorious all six of with... Mark to Jordans 32.5 in 1988-89 could take James to catch up to their records addition. Surpassed Jordan in other ways his raw physical and athletic capabilities on the most player. Of his career the year after his hand injury limited him to Jordan for 35-year-olds from 1946-47 to unless! To carry a team, and retired with six NBA championships is a better basketball player who ever.... In five games for Dallas after a full season away from the NBA key. For three years so he still have some time to get better and improve his in., but he did in his 10th season wasnt about to go gentle into that night! Time to get better and improve his team to the Dippers bar-setter, Michael Jordan Johnson to endless throw! Season away from the NBA we dont even think of any other stars in his 15th set the still-standing record! The harsh debate has gone on ever since LeBrons rookie season in 2004 when people comparing... To referees has 5 championships, and was the final season in which the Lakers captain averaged at 20... The fact that Michael so, who would you pick true because of his career the year after hand. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, visit. Again in my life and that is why I succeed ( MJ.... To go gentle into that good night NBA championships six of those with careers... Him the bragging rights of five firsts and two seconds on this website, visit... And zero in the history of the impactful activations hosted by the on. The latest, Grizzlies vs 's all-time leading scorer, one question remains: will the.