At this point, you can’t mention LeBron James or Michael Jordan without mentioning the other.
As the debate rages over which of them is the greatest of all time, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the basketball world is looking at them through the wrong lens. There are no two goats vying for supremacy. There’s a two-headed goat that reigns supreme in the basketball world.
LeBron James ties another Michael Jordan record
James continued to prove that on Saturday, joining Jordan as the only player 39 or older to score 40-plus points in multiple games.
The only 39-year-old player in NBA history to score 40 points multiple times in a single season. pic.twitter.com/1kOAM15V55
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 17, 2024
James was dominant again against the Golden State Warriors, finishing with 40 points, nine assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block in 38 minutes. 15 of 23 shots, 3 of 5 three-pointers, and 8 of 7 three-pointers. The NBA’s historical scoring leader was very efficient from beginning to end.
However, every time he and the Lakers threw a punch, the Warriors fought back. Ultimately, a theme of James’ career – and the difference between him and Jordan – was that his efforts were all in vain. The Lakers lost 128-121, unable to overcome a combined 80 points from Stephen Curry (31 points), Klay Thompson (26 points) and Jonathan Kuminga (23 points).
James has created multiple historic moments this season. He is most notable for becoming the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 career points. Having only accomplished the feat this month, these late-career performances more than help put his longevity into perspective. That’s always another way to measure his standing among the league’s greats.
Including James, 32 players have played at age 39 or older. Several players, including Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Tim Duncan, are considered among the top five players in NBA history. For James to stand shoulder to shoulder with Jordan (arguably the most decorated player of all time) at the top of the mountain even in “longevity statistics” is just another sign that he’s at the top of his class.
How long can James rule?
James can still destroy the rim when driving to the rim.
Having lost the explosiveness of his youth, his first step isn’t as threatening as it was in years past. However, he’s still athletic enough and strong enough to get to the rim at will. Of course, his scoring at the basket is not as high as it was when he was young. Still, the ambidextrous historical player has always been good at getting the Englishman to the basket and is a threat even at the rim.
Still, James’ perimeter touch may be the ultimate predictor of his future success. So far, James has shot 40.6% from three-point range, tying his career-high shooting percentage.
The eternal miracle suffered the most serious injury since joining the Lakers. However, he can protect his body by continuing to read this part of the game. Ultimately, his only battle is with himself. against his body. He can win with his brains, his experience, his cunning and his shooting touch,
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