Lebron vs. Jordan

#1
VolsByNature

VolsByNature

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#1
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?
 
#2
#2
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?
 
#3
#3
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.
 
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#5
#5
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.
 
#6
#6
Lebron is my 2nd favorite basketball player of all time,behind MJ.
 
#7
#7
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.
 
#8
#8
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.
 
#9
#9
milohimself said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
#10
#10
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.
 
#12
#12
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.
 
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#14
#14
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.
 
#15
#15
thehardknoxlife said:
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.
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Like scoring 25 points in a row against Detroit in the playoffs?
 
#16
#16
This is the way I look at it...if LeBron wanted to he could lead the league in points, assists or rebounds ( not in the same season ).
 
#17
#17
ranradVOL said:
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
Click to expand...

Thought the same thing myself...at 6'8" 270, he has the first step and explosiveness to blow by anyone, whenever he wants to...it is like you said, it's like he tries to make the game harder.
 
#18
#18
thehardknoxlife said:
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.
Click to expand...

Also, I think that Jordan was around 82% from the FT line, not really lights out.
 
#19
#19
VolsByNature said:
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?
Click to expand...

What did Jordan have to complain about? He got every call...I love Jordan, he is the best ever but the guy got all the calls.
 
#20
#20
Jordan was more skilled in every phase of the game, save rebounding.

He was a dramatically better shooter, passer and defender. Jordan didn't need jacked up NBA rules to beat you LeBron does.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
 
#21
#21
BigPapaVol said:
Jordan was more skilled in every phase of the game, save rebounding.

He was a dramatically better shooter, passer and defender. Jordan didn't need jacked up NBA rules to beat you LeBron does.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
Click to expand...

Your insane, you can't say that Jordan was a better passer...look at shooting percentages, Jordan was average at best from 3, LeBron is just as good now, and will get better...FT shooting, LeBron isn't as good yet and may never be, but the difference between 82% and 78% is nothing.

At his size and speed he doesn't need any sort of rule to dominant.
 
#22
#22
When Jordan was 25, he didn't own the greatest jump shot...give LeBron some time, he will get there, he is already over 50% shooting this year.
 
#23
#23
GahLee said:
Your insane, you can't say that Jordan was a better passer...look at shooting percentages, Jordan was average at best from 3, LeBron is just as good now, and will get better...FT shooting, LeBron isn't as good yet and may never be, but the difference between 82% and 78% is nothing.

At his size and speed he doesn't need any sort of rule to dominant.
Click to expand...

The difference isn't 82 - 78. Jordan was absolutely a better shooter in his prime and always better midrange. Everyone in the league will let LeBron try to win shooting jumpers. They wouldn't for Jordan.

Jordan's passing was every bit as good, but he disnt do it as much because he was told not to.

The comparison of the two is cute for the modern pundit, but not for the basketball guy. The skill levels are radically different. The nights where LeBron is close offensively are rare. He needs dunks, breakaways and lay ins to be good.

In fact Kobe is a far better offensive player as well as Carmelo. Olympic play should tell you all you need to know about LeBron's offensive skill level.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
 
#24
#24
GahLee said:
When Jordan was 25, he didn't own the greatest jump shot...give LeBron some time, he will get there, he is already over 50% shooting this year.
Click to expand...
.
Prince shoots over 50% for the Vols too. He does it similarly. Jordan was a great shooter for the majority of his career. He was never, even in college, as poor of a shooter as LeBron.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
 
#25
#25
BigPapaVol said:
The difference isn't 82 - 78. Jordan was absolutely a better shooter in his prime and always better midrange. Everyone in the league will let LeBron try to win shooting jumpers. They wouldn't for Jordan.

Jordan's passing was every bit as good, but he disnt do it as much because he was told not to.

The comparison of the two is cute for the modern pundit, but not for the basketball guy. The skill levels are radically different. The nights where LeBron is close offensively are rare. He needs dunks, breakaways and lay ins to be good.

In fact Kobe is a far better offensive player as well as Carmelo. Olympic play should tell you all you need to know about LeBron's offensive skill level.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
Click to expand...

Jordan in his prime is your argument, LeBron hasn't hit his prime.
 
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