This is the NBA debate of the century, but here we’ll tell you why Michael Jordan is better than LeBron James.
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1) Michael Jordan wins most scoring titles
Jordan won the title of top scorer 10 times, while LeBron only won it once.
2) Jordan played in a more defense-focused era
In the 1980s and 1990s, NBA teams were scoring less and the game was no longer about the three-pointer. Despite this, Jordan averaged 30.1 points per game during his career.
3) Jordan is a better defender
Jordan was selected to the All-Defensive First Team 9 times, while LeBron was selected to the All-Defensive First Team 5 times. Jordan also won the most steals three times and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 1988.
4) Jordan wins more NBA championships
Jordan participated in 6 of the 6 Finals, while LeBron only won one. He won 4 of the 10 finals he participated in.
5) Jordan is more critical
example:
Playoff winner/tie in 24 seconds or less
- Jordan – 9/18 (50%)
- LeBron – 8/23 (35%)
Winner/tie in final game with 25 seconds or less
- Jordan – 4/8 (50%)
- LeBron – 0/6 (0%)
6) Jordan efficiency
Jordan had 9 seasons where he shot over 50%, and LeBron James had 7 seasons.
7) Michael Jordan is a better leader on the court
Jordan led his teams to six championships and never lost one, while LeBron failed to perform at the level he should have when his team needed him to be a leader.
8) Michael Jordan’s 1v1 duel ability
Jordan was a less pass-oriented player than LeBron, and his ability to beat almost any player off the dribble was a big reason why.
9) Michael Jordan is more durable
Jordan played 82 games in nine different seasons over the course of his 15-year career. LeBron only played 82 games in his one season.
10) Michael Jordan takes better care of the ball
LeBron committed 177 turnovers in the Finals, averaging 3.9 per game, while Michael Jordan had 99 turnovers, averaging 2.8 per game. LeBron has committed the most turnovers on the team every year except 2012.
11) LeBron James has never defeated three 50-win teams or two 60-win teams in the playoffs
Jordan had to do this in five of his six championships.
12) Jordan is a better free throw shooter
Jordan’s career field goal percentage is 83.5%, while LeBron’s field goal percentage is 73.6%.
13) Jordan’s versatility
Jordan has proven his ability as the primary ball-handler throughout his career, dominating all corners of the court at shooting guard and small forward.
14) When Jordan is healthy, his team qualifies for the playoffs
Since 1985, Jordan has qualified for the playoffs every year with the Bulls, while LeBron has missed the playoffs three times in his career.
15) Jordan’s inspiration and influence
Jordan’s passion and commitment to basketball inspired an entire generation of players and fans.
16) Jordan won more MVP awards than LeBron
Jordan won 5 MVPs while LeBron only won 4 times.
17) Jordan won more MVPs in the Finals
Jordan won the Finals MVP in all 6 championships. LeBron won 4 games.
18) Jordan has a better PER (Player Efficiency Rating) than LeBron
Jordan’s career PER is 27.9, while LeBron’s is 27.4.
19) LeBron has spent most of his career playing in weaker leagues
In the 14 seasons LeBron has played in the East, the East has only won one more game than the West. The East was a more dominant conference during the Jordan era.
20) Jordan only had one All-Star teammate in his career
Scottie Pippen was Jordan’s only teammate to make the All-Star Game. LeBron has Idrunas Ilgauskas, Mo Williams, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Anthony David Sri Lanka.
21) LeBron has more Hall of Famers (and future Hall of Famers)
Jordan had Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Artis Gilmore and Robert Parish. LeBron has Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard.
22) Jordan passed the eye test
Many people believe that Jordan is just a good-looking player and a more reliable ball-handler.
23) Jordan’s college career
Although LeBron never played in college, it’s worth mentioning that Michael Jordan won a national championship in three years at North Carolina.
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