LeBron James and Michael Jordan are two of the greatest basketball players of all time. Jordan started his professional career in the NBA in 1984 with the Chicago Bulls, and James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. Jordan won six NBA championships, while James won four with three different teams. Although Jordan has the highest career scoring average, James has more career points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Jordan is known for popularizing the NBA in the 1990s, while James is recognized for his activism and modernization of the game. Both players have left an indelible mark on basketball.
LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan: Comparing Two Basketball Legends
When it comes to basketball, LeBron James and Michael Jordan are undoubtedly two of the game’s greatest players. James has been compared to Jordan for much of his career, as both have numerous accolades, records, and achievements under their respective belts. Let’s take a closer look at how these two legends stack up against one another.
Early Career
Michael Jordan began his professional career in the NBA in 1984, after being drafted by the Chicago Bulls. He quickly made a name for himself with his impressive skills on the court, including his ability to score points and his agility on the court. By 1988, Jordan led the Bulls to their first playoff appearance in six years.
LeBron James, on the other hand, was drafted in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was quickly recognized as a talented young player, and he began to attract attention for his physical attributes, including his height, strength, and speed. By 2007, James had led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance, although the team ultimately lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
Championships
One of the most significant factors that sets Jordan and James apart is their championship records. Jordan won six NBA championships over the course of his career, leading the Bulls to two separate three-peats in 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. He was recognized as the Finals MVP in all six championship wins.
LeBron James has four NBA championships to his name, although he won them with three different teams: the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. James has also been named the Finals MVP four times, matching Jordan’s record.
Statistics
Both Jordan and James have impressive career statistics, although they differ in a few key areas. Jordan has the NBA’s highest career scoring average, at 30.1 points per game. James, however, has more career points, rebounds, assists, and steals than Jordan.
Another notable difference is in their career three-point shooting percentages. Jordan shot 32.7% from beyond the arc, while James currently shoots 34.5%. However, it’s worth noting that Jordan didn’t focus as heavily on three-point shooting during his career, as it wasn’t as prevalent a part of the game at the time he played as it is now.
Legacy
Finally, it’s difficult to compare Jordan and James without considering the impact they’ve had on the game of basketball as a whole. Jordan is often credited with popularizing the NBA in the 1990s, with his dynamic playing style and numerous endorsements contributing to his ubiquitous presence in popular culture. James, on the other hand, has been noted for his activism both on and off the court, as well as his role in helping to modernize the game.
Both Jordan and James have left indelible marks on the game of basketball that will be felt for generations to come. They are two of the true legends of the sport, and their accomplishments and achievements will continue to be admired and celebrated for years to come.