Michael Jordan vs LeBron James: Who is Basketball’s GOAT?
By
Blake Roberts
Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 18 September 2023
Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief
Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.
Michael Jordan vs LeBron James
- LeBron vs Jordan: A Statistical Showdown
- Average Points: A Deep Dive
- Comparing Playing Styles
- Legacy: Impact on the NBA
- Career Achievements
- The GOAT Debate: Opinions and Facts
- Frequently Asked Questions
The debate over who is the greatest basketball player of all time often boils down to two names: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Both players dominated their eras, inspiring millions of players around the world and developing the game more than any other players.
Today, we’re going to do a blog on Michael Jordan vs LeBron James. We’re going to compare both players’ stats, achievements, and impact on the game to try and find an answer to who really is the GOAT!
LeBron vs Jordan: A Statistical Showdown
In this article, we’re going to be exploring the careers of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, two of the most influential players in NBA history. We’ll take a deep dive into their stats, look at the strengths of each player, records they’ve set – and try to answer the age-old question of who really is the GOAT.
However, our site also provides a lot of betting information too – invaluable if you’re looking to have a wager on basketball online or want to maximize your chances of winning. Learn more about betting on the NBA in our comprehensive guide!
Average Points: A Deep Dive
When it comes to scoring, both players have left their marks. Michael Jordan, known for his scoring ability, averaged 30.1 points per game during his NBA career, which spanned from 1984 to 2003. He was famed for his shooting prowess and ability to make shots in high-pressure situations. Jordan’s scoring average is the highest in NBA history, showcasing his incredible ability to put the ball in the hoop.
LeBron James, on the other hand, has a career average of around 27 points per game. However, LeBron is not just a scorer; he’s also an exceptional playmaker, able to create opportunities and set up plays with ease. With that said, his scoring still ranks among the best, and he’s proven time and time again that he can score when his team needs it most.
Comparing their scoring averages, it’s clear that Jordan had a slightly higher average than LeBron. However, it’s important to note that scoring averages aren’t always as they seem. For example, Jordan played the majority of his career in the 1980s and 1990s when scoring was generally higher. On the other hand, LeBron played in the 2000s and 2010s, when the game has become more defensively oriented.
Who is better, LeBron or Jordan? Well, we’re going to show you – and to begin, here’s some quick facts about both players:
| Statistic | Michael Jordan | LeBron James |
|---|---|---|
| Championships | 6 | 4 |
| MVP Awards | 5 | 4 |
| Scoring Titles | 10 | 1 |
| All-Star Selections | 14 | 17 |
| Career Points | 32,292 | 35,367 |
Comparing Playing Styles
This section of our LeBron vs Jordan stats blog will take a look at some general comparisons between the two superstar players. Is LeBron James better than Michael Jordan? Well, let’s find out!
In terms of playing style, both players are clearly masters of the game – but they both have distinct differences. Jordan was a lethal scorer, renowned for his offensive abilities which included an exceptional mid-range game, explosive dunks, and clutch shooting. His defensive skill was equally remarkable, leading him to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Additionally, his defensive skills, highlighted by his numerous steals and lockdown perimeter defense, cemented his status as an all-around force.
LeBron’s style, meanwhile, is marked by versatility and his ability to play and defend multiple positions. Standing at 6’9″ and weighing 250 pounds, he excels in driving to the basket, drawing fouls, and finishing with powerful dunks. He has exceptional court vision and passing skills, often creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
While both players have achieved greatness in their respective eras, LeBron’s game emphasizes versatility and playmaking, while Jordan’s revolves around scoring and defensive excellence. Their unique styles have contributed to their legendary status in the world of basketball.
In our opinion, it doesn’t matter how many LeBron average points per game figures you read, or how many “who’s better than who” blogs there are – both players are world-class and deserve equal credit.
Legacy: Impact on the NBA
The legacy that LeBron James and Michael Jordan have left on the NBA is hard to put into words. They’ve both shown the world that hard work pays off and they’re credited with inspiring millions of young players. They showed that talent alone is not enough. You also need to work hard and be a team player.
One of the most notable legacies of Michael Jordan is his global impact. His success and unique style of play helped popularize basketball around the world, turning the NBA into a global phenomenon.
Jordan’s influence went far beyond the sport itself, as his iconic brand, Air Jordan, revolutionized the concept of athlete endorsements and set new standards for marketing in sports. They also happened to become the most popular sneakers ever sold – earning him a ton of money in the process!
LeBron James has also had a pretty big impact away from the court. He’s done an incredible job at empowering players, has used his platform to advocate for social justice causes, and he speaks regularly on important societal issues.
James has inspired a new generation of players to be socially conscious and engaged, leveraging their influence to bring about positive change. He also runs several philanthropic efforts, including the LeBron James Family Foundation, providing educational opportunities for underprivileged youths.
Career Achievements
Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two of the greatest players to have ever graced the basketball court, with a combined list of career achievements we’re unlikely to see beaten any time soon.
Michael Jordan’s career is pretty much what you’d expect to see from someone regularly named the best basketball player in history. He led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships, winning Finals MVP honors in each. Jordan’s scoring abilities have gone down in history – and during his career, he managed to claim the NBA scoring title ten times! Jordan was also a 14-time All-Star and a five-time regular-season MVP, putting him right up there on that number-one spot.
LeBron James has also had an impressive career. He is a four-time NBA champion, winning titles with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. James has been named NBA Finals MVP on four occasions, and he’s also a 17-time All-Star. He’s earned four regular-season MVP awards, and, like Jordan, is often regarded as one of the best players to have ever lived.
James, known for his well-rounded game, is one of the few players to surpass the 35,000-point mark, cementing his status as one of the game’s most prolific scorers – and this is a record we’re unlikely to see many people beating in our lifetimes.
The GOAT Debate: Opinions and Facts
The debate over who is the GOAT – Jordan or LeBron – is a complex one, filled with opinions and facts that can support either side. Jordan’s six championships and unbeaten record in the NBA Finals often serve as the backbone of arguments in his favor. His scoring abilities, defensive skills, and clutch performances make it an easy choice for some.
However, LeBron’s supporters point to his consistency and versatility. The fact that he’s been able to maintain a high level of play into his late 30s is pretty impressive – and he’s left a huge impression on multiple franchises, leading three different teams to championships.
Who is better, LeBron or Jordan? Well, Jordan was the undisputed leader of his Bulls teams, while LeBron has often played the role of point forward, balancing scoring with playmaking. Do you see why it’s hard to actually pick a GOAT? You see, in the end, it’s completely subjective. Some NBA fans value Jordan’s sublime scoring abilities and perfect Finals record, while others admire LeBron’s versatility and apparent longevity.
Wherever you stand on the debate, there’s no denying that both Jordan and LeBron have had extraordinary careers and have left an incredible mark on the NBA. Their impact on the game, their achievements, and their unique playing styles will continue to be celebrated and debated by basketball fans around the world for years – decades – to come!
