The GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan is a never-ending argument. However, former NBA player Jalen Rose thinks MJ is miles ahead of LBJ.
Jordan started his NBA career in 1985, and after several interim retirements, he eventually hung up his boots in 2003.
Meanwhile, James is entering his 20th season and is still delivering the goods. He is on course to win the scoring title, with a little over 1,300 points left to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The GOAT conversation died down for a while before Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas talked about James. Thomas talked about LBJ not being seen as a score-first guy but is this close to setting a new record.
On “Courtside Club” with Rachel DeMita, Rose was asked for his top five all-time, and he had this to say:
“When you talk about the best players of all time, you ultimately start talking about who’s the GOAT. And when you talk about GOAT, the first word is ‘Greatest.’ That means achieved more than somebody else. And if we’re comparing Michael Jordan and LeBron, for example, Michael Jordan got ten scoring titles LeBron has one. Michael Jordan has been Defensive Player of the Year in the NBA, LeBron hasn’t. ”
He added:
“Michael Jordan has two separate three-peats, LeBron doesn’t have one three-peat. And so, like, you don’t necessarily even need to watch them play to acknowledge that what Michael Jordan achieved just solely on the court is greater .”
Making a top-five list is an incredibly difficult endeavor. However, Rose questioned James’ spot in the all-time top three, saying Bill Russell should come before him.
LeBron James is a better passer than Michael Jordan
Both approaches worked differently for James and MJ. James has made ten NBA Finals appearances and won four titles, while MJ has reached the finals six times and won all championships without ever playing a Game 7.
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