LeBron James' NBA career compared to Michael Jordan as GOAT debate intensifies (2024)

A look at how LeBron James' career compares to Michael Jordan's after the former broke the all-time scoring record from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar this week, bringing up the GOAT debate once again

Ever since LeBron James entered the league 20 years ago, his name has been synonymous with that of Michael Jordan's.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Jordan not only dominated, but completely changed the game of basketball - on a worldwide scale.

Jordan's winning transcended the NBA, as he became the huge brand that he remains today through his signature plays, continued greatness and unparalleled mindset.

Those who have seen Netflix's 'The Last Dance' have witnessed how Jordan's unique style transformed the way the game was played - a smaller player who was able to use his athleticism, determination and basketball IQ to win, and to do so consistently through his commitment to his craft.

Jordan went on to win six NBA championships, and would have likely won many more had he not decided to controversially walkaway from the sport for two years whilst in his prime - retiring as the undisputed greatest of all-time, with many believing that status would never be challenged.

Around that time of Jordan retiring though, a young Phenom from Akron, Ohio was arising. Since his days at St Vincent St Mary's High School, James was known as a truly spectacular talent. His athleticism was not something that had been seen since Kobe Bryant's high school days - but James looked to be a step above.

Even prior to his final year at high school, James was already seen as the heir to Jordan, and was brandished 'The Chosen One' at the age of just 17, something he took on himself and got tattoo'd on his back.

James would go on to be drafted with the first overall draft pick in the 2003 class and was seen as the greatest prospect of all-time - an outrageous amount of pressure to live up to, as he chose to wear the number 23 jersey - a nod to Jordan as if to say he was accepting the challenge to be as great as he had been.

James would dominate from game one in the NBA, scoring 25 points and adding nine assists on his debut - quieting many and only exaggerating the enormous amount of hype that had been coming his way.

Since then, all James has done is live up to that hype - winning championships, breaking records and accomplishing everything that everybody had hoped him to do so back in 2002.

But the debate still remains on who is the greatest of all-time: Jordan or LeBron, LeBron or Jordan?

This week, James only further enhanced his argument of being the greatest to ever do it after he became the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

The incredible achievement has seen the debate reignited once again. Here, we take a look at five key aspects to consider when discussing who the greatest truly is.

Longevity

LeBron James is now in his 20th season in the NBA and is still the best player on the court almost every single time he throws his jersey on. Jordan played only 15 seasons, after retiring twice and taking five years away from the sport in between.

That sees James get the odds on most statistics all-time wise, as many argue his longevity alone is a reason why he's greater than Jordan.

However, others argue that the game is much different than how it was played back in Jordan's era, with rules being amended to limit contact and seeing far less injuries while the game is predicated on shooting from long-range rather than driving to the basket - where you'd usually he hit by a much bigger guy in an attempt to score.

Individual statistics

Jordan is the better career scorer, averaging three more points per game than James (Jordan 30, James 27) and also won 10 scoring titles, with James only winning one.

Jordan is also recognised as the better defender, averaging more steals and making the all-defense team three more times and playing more minutes per game.

However, James averages more assists and rebounds than Jordan - which some state makes James the better overall player.

NBA championships & accolades

This is where many separate the two, with Michael Jordan winning six NBA championships in as many appearances - never losing in the finals (6-0 record).

James has won four championships, but has lost six times in the NBA finals with a 4-6 record.

Still only 38 and playing at an elite level, James still has years to go in his record and could equal Jordan's record should his Los Angeles Lakers improve their roster. But through his longevity, and James has already built a strong enough case to be considered the greatest, and it's probably fair to say, surpassed all the hype that was thrown his way 20 years ago.