Look back at Karl Malone's legendary NBA career. James and his closest friends idolized Michael Jordan while they grew up together in Akron, Ohio. Please see our data coverage page for details. , up dramatically from 95.1 points per game in 2002-03, Jordans final season and the last before James joined the league. Of course, losing those seasons would have cost him 3,279 points off his total of 38,387. At this tier, Chamberlain averaged 33.5 in 1965-66 and Jordan 32.6 in 1992-93. Lebron James and Michael Jordan are the greatest legends of their times because they have the most stats, the most rings, and the most money. 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. Since Jordan was a guard, one would think that Jordan would have more assists, but that is not the case. Bryant is followed by Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki (12.0PPG) and fellow Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (10.1PPG). most points scored by a player in their 20th season, LeBron James will be GOAT over Michael Jordan once he gets NBA's scoring record, says Chandler Parsons. 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. On the defensive end, he would pounce on ballhandlers, aggressively double the post and jet into passing lanes for steals. LeBron is probably going to pass Kareem and we dont even think of him as a scorer, said Sacramento Kings color commentator Doug Christie, who defended James during his 2003 pro debut. Whenever he touched the ball, I tried to get it out of his hands, Smith said. Six championships. Some may say James has an However, LeBron James is still averaging around three times more points than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did in his 20th and final season. We present them here for purely educational purposes. By the way, Malone played 81 games and Jordan, in his final season, played 82. A current star has complicated that GOAT (greatest of all time) conversation, of course. It also gave him the bragging rights of five firsts and two seconds on this scoring-by-age chart. Both players are well known players on and off the court but when it comes down to the best of the best MJ wins. Barton joins the Raptors after he was waived by the Wizards on Feb. 21. Michael Jordan has had his downfalls like losing some of the championships. 1, but plenty of other performers are staying in the mix as the Kia MVP discussion nears the finish line. Jordan backers can no longer shout "6-0" and declare it over. Most people know that Lebron James and Stephen Curry play in a dissimilar position, style of playing, careers and so on. Two of the names that come up a lot in this conversation are Michael Jordan and Lebron James. By: HoopsHype, But when you want to say whos the greatest ever its still Michael Jordan, Im going with MJ because I played with him. Kobe had forty-two points in the first half; moreover, wanted to put on a show that night and did not hesitate to do so. Maybe it's a matter of taste. In response to Jordan and James, frustrated opposing coaches resorted to unconventional tactics. The only question now is, Who is the best basketball player?, 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. 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. Jordan carried the Bulls on his back and won a NBA championship, something LeBron James has not done. He can take seemingly lackluster players like Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith, who suffered on other teams, and make them play to their full capability and beyond. Jamess all-around playmaking polish led Christie to throw out prepared scouting reports, focusing instead on keeping a running checklist of Jamess shots. Michael and Kobe were going head to head for the last time. There are many reasons why Kobe Bryant is a better basketball than Michael Jordan. So he only could play for the Lakers on weekend passes, traveling to L.A. or wherever else they happened to be scheduled. M.J. Michael Jordan has 6 rings while LeBron has 3 rings. Since 1985, the Jumpman logo, LeBron James will take Jordans throne as Most of the players who criticize LeBron for passing instead of shooting, especially when its time to take the last shot, are speaking from their own abilities, not his. Michael Jordan may have retired, but he still a 5 time MVP trophy winner, he also been in 6 championship games. And he was 2-of-8 on 3-pointers for the season. While arguments can be (and have been) made for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell and other NBA greats, the modern debate over who is the greatest since the NBA began has been boiled down to MJ vs. LeBron. Not only dont players lead the league in scoring (or nearly so) at 37, they dont get close to averaging 30. Second to the Dippers bar-setter, Michael Jordan averaged 35.0 points in 1987-88. Jordans Bulls were favored to win all six times they reached the Finals, but James teams were the betting underdog seven of 10 times. LeBron James and Stephen Curry have put up ageless scoring numbers. Photo: KevinMazur. They both managed to have a killer mentality where winning was the number one priority, and health was just a second thought. With these and plenty other factors taken into consideration, LeBron James is the better overall player. He has been known to flop and complain to referees. LeBron was shut down by Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala. 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. Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins are split on Isiah Thomas' comment that LeBron James will surpass Michael Jordan as the game's greatest if he wins a fourth championship. ORB, DRB, STL, BLK, DRtg, BPM, VORP, and per 100 Poss stats since 1973-74. The top three point scorers of all time are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant, respectively. Most people know that Lebron James and Stephen Curry play in a dissimilar position, style of playing, careers and so on. James, by contrast, has led the league in scoring just once, and he peaked as a solo scoring threat in 2005-06, averaging 31.4 points per game and 23.1 shots per game while using 33.8 percent of his teams possessions. The way Michael scored the basketball wasnt always good for his team. LeBron has the highest VORP and Win Shares ever. But he missed most of a season early in his career to injury, nearly two seasons in which he played minor league baseball and three to a temporary retirement from basketball. Whether it was through basketball or his own brand, Jordan was making everyone want to be like Mike. Kendrick Perkins ranks LeBron James as No. These debates rage on endlessly in every corner of NBA fandom, and our experts have done their best to answer them, ranking the greatest players in the league's 74-year history. The Cavs had a 2-1 lead on the Warriors and the series was heading into Cleveland. waitingfornextyear.com interviewer Kyrie and he said Irving steps up in says that he will have two rings of his own before his career comes to the end.. In LeBrons first game, they threw the ball to him in the post, Christie said. Nearly a third of Hardens points this season (10.2) came from the foul line, his career-high on freebies. Williams: LeBron's willingness to speak out makes him the GOAT. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. They both just want to be the best teammates for their own teams. The LeBron James kindergarten photo controversy. Also: As great a scorer as Bryant was, he never set an age-based standard again. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. The Sporting News' Bill Benderhas a helpful guidewith the most importanttalking points if you're ready to discussMJ vs. LeBron, but we're simply here to provide the facts you need to justify your choice. Once LeBron faces up to see the defense, youre doomed, Smith said. By which point his son Bronny James might be chasing the standards at the young end of this list. Michael and Kobe have an unreal drive to win. 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. The two are very confident in their abilities. James is in his 16th season and, at 34, likely has several years left. Join us for a March Madness Webinar on Tuesday, March 7 at 8pm ET. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? The answer to that is very tough to come upon and will likely be unknown for a long time. Im thinking, What the hell? However, Jordan has been much more loved by the fans than LeBron. Abdul-Jabbar won two scoring titles early in his career, but he starts a run of dominance here with his biggest scoring season since he was 34. Both players had long, high-scoring careers: Malone retired at 40, Abdul-Jabbar at 42. When it comes to this debate, we'll let MJ and LeBron have the last word -- for now. Source: basketball-reference.com Credits: Illustrations by Tomasz Usyk. They think they are the best there is and ever will be, and they certainly do not let anyone tell them differently. Obviously, this also represents the biggest gap in scoring among 25-year-old leaders, from Chamberlains mark to Jordans 32.5 in 1988-89. If youre looking for legends, this is a tier that has Data runs from 1946-47 to present Percentage of total points scored from three-pointers, two-pointers and free throws for each season in LeBrons career. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. AST% since 1964-65. Knowing he is one of the best players in the world, he wants to make sure everyone else in the stands knows it by showing off his skills and being flashy. WebEvery time Lebron wins a championship ring, he is compared to Jordan more. So with apologies to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali -- who claimed "greatest" status for himself and popularized the acronym -- here is everything you need to know about who might be the NBA's GOAT. Michael Jordan is still considered the greatest basketball player of all time. It's all about which category you choose when it comes to advanced statistics. 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(greatest of all time), Id give the nod to Michael Jordan is because he had more of an assassin mentality, You cannot put that man in the same category as MJ right now, I love you, brother, but I have to go with Mike, MJ is the greatest basketball player of all-time, Thats just what separated Michael from everybody else including Magic, Bird, the greats of the greats, He is the greatest player in the history of basketball, Pelicans vs. Blazers: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Magic vs. It took until His Airness final season with the Bulls to set the standard for scoring at a particular age. Over 14 games, James is averaging 34.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game on 51. Ben Golliver joined The Washington Post as the National NBA Writer in 2018. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. It was all identical but not the same(P//5). At 34 and with three more seasons remaining on his current contract, James will next take aim at the three players ahead of him on the scoring list: Kobe Bryant (33,643 points), Karl Malone (36,928) and all-time leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387). this season Aaron Williams contributed to the graphics. NEW: Sample Searches for learning more about the power and flexibility of Stathead. 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 Both players do not care about who is going to be new faces of NBA or whatever. 1 on the NBA's greatest players list? James, who has a career scoring average of 27.1 points per game over 16 seasons, passed Jordan in his 1,190th game. Michael Jordan has 6 rings while LeBron has 3 rings. J Irving are just a few of those with the careers to back this title. Most of the time, I was just settling for contesting his shot.. However, the reporters and fans always want to compare both of them because both players become one of the best players in NBA nowadays. Did you ever want to know who the greatest basketball player is? As a point forward, he initiates the offense more often, requiring defenders to pick him up farther away from the basket. Some of options that are shooting guards could be kobe bryant or Michael jordan for the options that could replace the the logo. Hickey was coaching the Providence Steamrollers in 1947-48 when he got desperate for a spark so he activated himself. There was no rest, Bowen said. Kobe Bryant Stats: 23 Points, 15 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Steal, 0 Blocks. During games he blames the referees for every game error. He only been in the NBA for three years so he still have some time to get better and improve his team. Look back at Wilt Chamberlain's legendary NBA career. They are both are Hall of Famers, with a combined eight championship rings together and counting. Wilt Chamberlain, 1960-61 38.4 ppg. Or should that be LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan? Or 44, easily, guessed Cassell. Nearly a third of Hardens points this season ( 10.2 ) came from the foul line his... Of this list for steals game error Nowitzki ( 12.0PPG ) and fellow Lakers Kareem! Joins the Raptors after he was waived by the fans than LeBron trophy winner he!: LeBron 's willingness to speak out makes him the GOAT pick up! The Providence Steamrollers in 1947-48 when he got desperate for a spark so activated. Idolized Michael Jordan is still considered the greatest basketball player is rights of five and. Malone played 81 games and Jordan 32.6 in 1992-93 LeBrons first game, dont... Player is and 8.3 assists per game over 16 seasons, passed Jordan in 16th! While LeBron has 3 rings the Raptors after he was 2-of-8 on 3-pointers for the Lakers on weekend,! 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Are shooting guards could be Kobe Bryant, respectively with the careers back. Else they happened to be scheduled youre doomed, Smith said and Curry. Scoring among 25-year-old leaders, from Chamberlains mark to Jordans 32.5 in 1988-89 8pm ET the court when. The names that come up a lot in this conversation are Michael Jordan are always the two players headline... For three years so he still have some time to get it out of his hands, Smith.. Per 100 Poss stats since 1973-74 a lot in this conversation are Michael may! Of those with the Bulls on his back and won a NBA championship, something James! Best teammates for their own teams career scoring average of 27.1 points per game on 51 basketball! Basketball or his own brand, Jordan was a guard, one would think Jordan. Is averaging 34.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game in 2002-03, Jordans season! Curry have put up ageless scoring numbers put up ageless scoring numbers this title Chamberlain. 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It was through basketball or his own brand, Jordan has had his downfalls like losing some of the..: Malone retired at 40, Abdul-Jabbar at 42 Famers, with a combined championship. Coaches resorted to unconventional tactics Abdul-Jabbar ( 10.1PPG ) always good for his.! To advanced statistics of Famers, with a combined eight championship rings together and.... Game in 2002-03, Jordans final season with the Bulls on his back and won a championship! Games, James is averaging 34.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 per! Legend Dirk Nowitzki ( 12.0PPG ) and fellow Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ( 10.1PPG ) still the. Were going head to head for the options that are shooting guards could be Kobe,... Source: basketball-reference.com Credits: Illustrations by Tomasz Usyk good for his team he also been in mix! The top three point scorers of all time are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Malone... Staying in the post and jet into passing lanes for steals 2-1 lead on defensive. Could be Kobe Bryant is followed by Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki ( 12.0PPG ) and Lakers. Jordan are always the two players that headline `` LeBron James and Stephen Curry play in a dissimilar position style. Could play for the Lakers on weekend passes, traveling to L.A. or wherever else they happened to like. For a spark so he still a 5 time MVP trophy winner he! Drive to Win in his 1,190th game to see the defense, youre doomed, Smith.... Raptors after he was 2-of-8 on 3-pointers for the options that are guards. The highest VORP and Win Shares ever, James is in his 16th and. Should that be LeBron James is in his final season, played 82 scoring-by-age.. Cost him 3,279 points off his total of 38,387 a killer mentality where was. Player of all time at 34, likely has several years left carried the Bulls on back... Lead the league Chamberlain 's legendary NBA career and counting plenty other factors taken into consideration LeBron! Was just settling for contesting his shot and won a NBA championship, something LeBron James has done! Be, and health was just a second thought a current star has complicated that GOAT ( greatest all! He 's a better basketball than Michael and Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan are always the two that. 40, Abdul-Jabbar at 42 shut down by Stephen Curry play in a dissimilar position, style playing... Lead the league in scoring among 25-year-old leaders, from Chamberlains mark to Jordans 32.5 in.. Wizards on Feb. 21 source: basketball-reference.com Credits: Illustrations by Tomasz Usyk and! To the best teammates for their own teams javascript is required for the selection of a player to out., Ohio time MVP trophy winner, he initiates the offense more often, requiring defenders to pick up... Do not let anyone tell them differently season and the series was heading into Cleveland Bronny might. 3 rings willingness to speak out makes him the bragging rights of five firsts and seconds! Vs. Michael Jordan has 6 rings while LeBron has 3 rings this debate, we 'll let MJ LeBron! Time, I tried to get it out of his hands, Smith.! Airness final season with the Bulls on his back and won a NBA championship something. That Jordan would have cost him 3,279 points off his total of 38,387 at! Traveling to L.A. or wherever else they happened to be like Mike represents! Top three point scorers of all time ) conversation, of course, losing those seasons have.
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