Lebron vs. Jordan

[VolsByNature]

I'm actually sick of the comparisons, which would actually make this thread....well, silly.

But I would love eveyones opinion. I work with a guy, from Cleveland, who of coarse will swear up and down Lebron is a better scorer, passer, rebounder, and class act than his airness. I disagree.

Comparing stats doesn't really favor anyone, example, the first 300 games

Lebron Jordan

Total Points: 8,008---------Total Points: 9,800
Rebounds: 1,994-------------Rebounds: 1,765
Assists: 1,927------------------Assists: 1,684
Steals: 529---------------------Steals: 832
Blocks: 220---------------------Blocks: 375
Turnovers: 995--------------Turnovers: 789

Jordan has 6 rings, 10 scoring titles, 5 MVPs, 9 Defensive 1st team, Rookie of the year

Lebron, although he has only played half of what Jordan played, with a 3 year head start, doesn't have half of that. And, doesn't seem to be on the right track to even come near that.

I've watched the two greats of this Era, Kobe and Lebron, complain about calls, no-calls, more than I've ever seen Jordan do. Jordan would say something 10 seconds tops. I've seen Lebron, and recorded w/ Tivo, complain for 3 minutes about a foul that wasn't called.

IMHO, Jordan is better without a question. Almost, no comparison. But, the people who choose Lebron have a very interesting arguement. What do you think?

[tvolsfan]

I think Lebron has a long ways to go before he could actually seriously be in that discussion, but how many did titles did Jordan have at Lebron's age?

[milohimself]

I honestly believe that Lebron is the most skilled basketball player ever, and it's almost not close.

However, he's been inconsistent throughout his whole career in key late-game situations, and has only once gotten his team out of what has been, in my opinion, a very weak Eastern Conference since he's been in the league.

[milohimself]

Originally Posted by tvolsfan

I think Lebron has a long ways to go before he could actually seriously be in that discussion, but how many did titles did Jordan have at Lebron's age?

Jordan had zero NBA titles when he was Lebron's current age.

[ranradVOL]

LeBron could end up better, but right now he's not even close. I grew up in Chicago during the Bulls run and saw Jordan play probably 50 times and I felt like I was watching the greatest ever every time. I've seen LeBron in person 4 times and while he a freak athletically, I don't get that same feeling.

Although, another thing to look at is that there weren't as many dominant players when Jordan was playing. Some of those teams in the East were atrocious.

[cwil4]

Lebron is my 2nd favorite basketball player of all time,behind MJ.

[ranradVOL]

I agree LeBron is probably the most skilled ever. He needs to be more consistant with his jumper to be on MJ's level though.

[milohimself]

He doesn't need to. He has arguably the most unstoppable dribble drive ever, yet he settles for so-so looks from 18+ feet at the end of games.

I've watched him from courtside a couple times at the Rose Garden. It's mind-boggling to watch his athleticism, yet I don't get the feeling he's ever going to achieve greatness on MJ's or Bill's level. I see him winning one title, maybe two, and that's about it.

[ranradVOL]

Originally Posted by milohimself

He doesn't need to. He has arguably the most unstoppable dribble drive ever, yet he settles for so-so looks from 18+ feet at the end of games.

There are times when I watch him and think to myself, "he's honestly trying to make it hard on himself." Like he knows he can blow by everybody, but doesn't because it's too easy. haha

[ranradVOL]

I go to almost every Hawks game. I watch J Smoove do things and think there's no way someone is more athletic then him. Then when the Cavs come to town, I just sit there and shake my head.

[milohimself]

Originally Posted by ranradVOL

There are times when I watch him and think to myself, "he's honestly trying to make it hard on himself." Like he knows he can blow by everybody, but doesn't because it's too easy. haha

... And then he loses.

[thehardknoxlife]

I don't think it's comparable. Jordan's career averages are better than James single best season. Those are just the numbers though. I grew up watching Jordan, and I can remember countless times where Jordan would take over a game from start to finish on both sides of the floor. I haven't really seen James do that. I hate to say it, but I've seen this from Bryant more so than James. I'd also like to say that Jordan had a much better 17ft jump shot and was lights out from the FT line. Something a lot of people overlook. Jordan was also the better defender. It's no comparison in my mind. I don't thinks there is anyone who can compare to Jordan and won't be for a very long time.

[615 Vol]

I think MJ and Kobe are both better than Lebron.

[GahLee]

I love this debate, it shouldn't be dismissed, LeBron is that good.

Scoring-Both can/could get to the rim with ease, great finishers...LeBron has developed his jumper earlier than Jordan did. As of now 3 point shooting is a push, LeBron will be better though. Jordan is a better free throw shooter, for now.

Rebounding-LeBron, and it's not close...early in Jordan's career he was a good rebounder, later on his numbers regressed ( having Pippen and Rodman will do that ). But if LeBron wanted to he could average 12 a game.

Passing-Jordan was a very good passer but later in his career he did it out of the triangle offense, Jordan would post up and when the double team came, Kerr was there, wide open...he also had Pippen who cut to the basket very well. LeBron gets a lot of his assists in more of a point guard fashion, top of the key or drive and dish. Advantage LeBron.

Defense-Jordan was 9 time all D 1st team, his on ball D was better than LeBron's at this point but LeBron's help D is better, they guard different type of players though. Jordan wsn't even the best defender on his team, LeBron is.

LeBron has a long way to go to be in Jordan's company, based on titles alone, but as for a skill set, I would take LeBron all day long.

[GahLee]

Originally Posted by thehardknoxlife

I don't think it's comparable. Jordan's career averages are better than James single best season. Those are just the numbers though. I grew up watching Jordan, and I can remember countless times where Jordan would take over a game from start to finish on both sides of the floor. I haven't really seen James do that. I hate to say it, but I've seen this from Bryant more so than James. I'd also like to say that Jordan had a much better 17ft jump shot and was lights out from the FT line. Something a lot of people overlook. Jordan was also the better defender. It's no comparison in my mind. I don't thinks there is anyone who can compare to Jordan and won't be for a very long time.

Like scoring 25 points in a row against Detroit in the playoffs?