Against that backdrop, maybe what LeBron James has done this season shouldnt seem so astonishing. 1, but plenty of other performers are staying in the mix as the Kia MVP discussion nears the finish line. These debates rage on endlessly in every corner of NBA fandom, and our experts have done their best to answer them, ranking the greatest players in the league's 74-year history. Didnt matter much, though, given the Lakers other weapons he got his sixth championship and L.A. earned its fifth of the decade. They are more than confident in being the best on the court. The Spurs took one of LeBrons biggest strengths his brain and used it against him, Bowen said, adding that the strategy had its limitations. 28.2 Player Efficiency Rating (PER) 28.6, 33.9 Value Over Replacement (VORP) 24.7. This is where the scoring numbers start to drop off, for two simple reasons: Not a lot of NBA players stick around this long and skills invariably diminish with age. Given the title Air-Jordan, winning dunk competitions, and bring joy to many fans watching his hunger for winning. It was all identical but not the same(P//5). 2 scorer (Paul George, 28.0) was greater than from George to No. A few even argued that James has been the GOAT for a while now. There some people who think LeBron James is the greatest, there are some that think Michael Jordan is the greatest. However, Jordan was not only a basketball player, but someone who influenced the American culture and society. If youre looking for a more legitimate, i.e., complete season, that would go to Dallas Luka Doncic, snagging the highest scoring average for a teenager at 21.1 while playing 72 games in 2018-19. He only been in the NBA for three years so he still have some time to get better and improve his team. While arguments can be (and have been) made for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell and other NBA greats, the modern debate over who is the greatest since the NBA began has been boiled down to MJ vs. LeBron. That was a special day for LeBron. The G League Ignite guard has been toward the top of several draft boards ahead of the 2023 Draft. On March 28th, 2003 the ultimate rivalry took place between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Wings had to track his every movement and battle for position before the ball arrived. "More Than an Athlete" is an eight-episode series that examines the various stages and moments of LeBron James' journey from basketball prodigy to global sports icon, businessman and philanthropist through the lens of the unique bonds of friendship and partnership that forged among four men -- James, Maverick Carter, Randy Mims and Rich Paul -- over more than two decades. Note: Data as of Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019. But James tops everyone in VORPand Win Shares. Bucks: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Grizzlies vs. TRB% since 1970-71. The moves they made were the exact same from the fade away jump shot, to the way they dunked the ball. LeBron was leading the Cavs in his 2003-2010 season, but never got them a championship, LeBron was very close though. Father Time starts winking at the best of them. Even after Michael Jordan left his team they were still successful, as for LeBron leaving Cleveland well things were not looking good for the Cavs. NEW: Sample Searches for learning more about the power and flexibility of Stathead. The largely forgotten Baylor, who set new standards for athletic moves and above-the-rim play in his time, had a special challenge in 1961-62. Pick a side, nerds! Over 14 games, James is averaging 34.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 8.3 LeBron James just passed Michael Jordan on the NBAs career scoring list despite LeBron considering himself more playmaker than scorer. Not only does he need improvement his team needs it to. Your login session has expired. They revolutionized the game and brought a standard to be met- Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. As you can see on the list below, James playing at or near his current level should have a solid shot at the setting age 38 and age 39 marks held respectively by Abdul-Jabbar (23.4) and Malone (20.6). The first time Durant averaged 30 points or more in a season was in 2009-10 in his age-21 season. The two are very confident in their abilities. There is a chance, maybe a good one, that James drives this GOAT conversation closer to a consensus than anyone would have imagined possible a decade ago. 1 overall in 2003. So he debuts with 37.6 in his rookie season which would rank as the highest scoring average for any age except ages 24-27. Michael with no doubt left the NBA as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. Jordan led his team to the finals six times and came out victorious all six of those times. Jordan has 38 career 40-point games in the playoffs and eight 50-point games (including his NBA playoff-record 63). And here's the big one. Here are the top scorers, by average, for every NBA age: Check out the top 10 plays from Kobe Bryant's rookie season. Henry Aaron slugged 47 home runs in 1971, when he was 37 years old. Id put him near 50, said Smith, adding that Jordan could have played for 20 seasons if he absorbed less contact throughout his career. Pretty much. Miami Heats and Chicago Bulls have had many MVP players, these two players contribute the most to their team's success is LeBron with the Miami Heats and Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls. I have research and know from a personal view that Kobe Bryant is a better basketball player than Michael Jordan. Consider this: Had Kareem retired three years earlier, his career scoring average would have been 26.4, good for 8th all-time on the current list. Look back at Elgin Baylor's legendary NBA career. BPM, VORP, handedness not available for WNBA. Since 1985, the Jumpman logo, LeBron James will take Jordans throne as Barton joins the Raptors after he was waived by the Wizards on Feb. 21. Jordan fanshave championships in their back pockets. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. The debate is most often between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has some backers, too. Considering James' elite scoring production at age 37, we examine the NBA's all-time highest scorers by age. Keep scrolling to see how long it could take James to catch up to their records. Heres why both legends can credibly claim to be the greatest. They both managed to have a killer mentality where winning was the number one priority, and health was just a second thought. The debate between who the best basketball player of all time has been going on for many years. -- William C. Rhoden, LeBron and MJ in their own words through the years. Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Regular season stats Provided by Sporting News Jordan is superior in the scoring department, but James grabs rebounds Some people way say Lebron James is the best player to play the over ichael jordan and people say he could be the person to change the logo to the. The harsh debate has gone on ever since Lebrons rookie season in 2004 when people started comparing him to Jordan. Look back at Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's legendary NBA career. Some stats were available earlier in the ABA. WebEvery time Lebron wins a championship ring, he is compared to Jordan more. WNBA all-time (since 1997) unless otherwise noted. Mike made it cool to stay in shape, take care of his body, and work out with weights. That included 30.0 ppg in seven summer contests in the Orlando bubble in the virus lockdown season. However, Jordan was not only a basketball player, but someone who influenced the American culture and society. Armand Emamdjomeh makes data visualizations, maps and graphics. Since Jordan was a guard, one would think that Jordan would have more assists, but that is not the case. Outside of James, the most points scored by a player in their 20th season is Lakers legend Kobe Bryant at 17.6PPG. His ability to find the open man makes it difficult to double-team him on the perimeter, forcing wing defenders to play him in single coverage. How LeBron can top Jordan for GOAT status. As a result of the rule changes, an increase in pace, and a rise in the prevalence of three-pointers, NBA teams are averaging 110.9 points per game In 2001, Randy (Big Unit) Johnson at age 37 struck out a career-high 372 batters, went 21-6 for the Arizona Diamondbacks and earned the fourth of his five Cy Young Awards. This tells us that Jordan played better, when the stage was the biggest. Im thinking, What the hell? They do not believe that anyone is better than them. James highest scoring average to date came in his age-21 season, when he finished third behind Bryant (35.4) and Allen Iverson (33.0). WebEvery time Lebron wins a championship ring, he is compared to Jordan more. LeBron vs. MJ: The GOAT debate is different now, At minimum, it's a debate now. This farewell cameo lasted a total of 43 minutes in April, during which the 7-footer made 5 of his 13 shots with 8 rebounds and 11 fouls. Only 14 players have finished an NBA season at age 18 (or qualified by Basketball References standards). If anyone or anything gets in the way of their success they are quick to dispose of the problem. Jordan cannot be called the same. Age: 59 years old as of April 2022. It also gave him the bragging rights of five firsts and two seconds on this scoring-by-age chart. They are verbally aggressive and threaten people as they play. LeBron has much competition with all the new all these new talents with so much potential. They both just want to be the best teammates for their own teams. The top three point scorers of all time are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant, respectively. Those things including statistics, how many NBA championships have been won, and what you have been awarded with by the league and sports analysts throughout your career. Source: basketball-reference.com Credits: Illustrations by Tomasz Usyk. Davis agreed, too, with a twist that neatly summarized these two greats differing approaches at this historic crossing. Nowitzki, 40, is in his 21st season. Malone had 43 double-doubles while leading Utah to 55 victories, with no one else on the roster averaging more than 14.1 points. Next, is the MVP award, Kobe was the MVP one year, while Jordan was the MVP five years (Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan Comparison). J Irving are just a few of those with the careers to back this title. After NBA legend Isiah Thomas says he'd take LeBron James over Michael Jordan, the SportsNation crew weighs in on the classic debate. Fundamentally it is real, but at the same time, they also have some correspondence with goals and others. FantasyPros considers the best player values for DraftKings and FanDuel NBA DFS. James, who has a career scoring average of 27.1 points per game over 16 seasons, passed Jordan in his 1,190th game. LeBron has left his hometown and his team in Miami suddenly leaving many fans angry for deserting them. At 34 and with three more seasons remaining on his current contract, James will next take aim at the three players ahead of him on the scoring list: Kobe Bryant (33,643 points), Karl Malone (36,928) and all-time leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387). A new poll commissioned by ESPN in 2020 found that 73% of NBA fans believe Jordan is the superior player overall, and the Chicago Bulls legend swept all 17 questions comparing him to James by metrics both on and off the court. Daring James to shoot proved effective for stretches because it caused James to overthink. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls, he helped the team make it to the playoffs. Numerous players who defended both Jordan and James agreed with this distinction. Michael and Kobe have an unreal drive to win. WebThe 7-foot-1 Hall of Fame center destroyed rims, glass backboards and entire baskets on multiple occasions throughout his career.Michael Jordan is already eternalized in silhouette. James would have to play in nearly 60 games at his current scoring pace to pass Kobe Bryant, at 33,543 points. Michael Jordan is widely considered as the greatest basketball player of all time, however in LeBron James there is an individual who can claim to challenge him for All rights reserved. Ageless? That scoring boom has left Jordans former defenders wondering how many points he might score in todays NBA. Aaron Williams contributed to the graphics. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. However, the reporters and fans always want to compare both of them because both players become one of the best players in NBA nowadays. LeBron James is far from finished. Given what Barry did at this young age, you automatically wonder what his encore for San Francisco was at age 23, right? Their names are all over the NBA record books in just about every category. Jordan is the all-time playoff leader in PER and Box Plus/Minus, and he has the highest usage percentage. MJ is the best basketball player to ever play, I feel like MJ is the G.O.A.T. Kobe Bryant wanted to show out Jordan himself by dropping a total of fifty-five points in the game. Or should that be LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan? So if youre a stickler for details or a completist, wed wrap this up with 45: Nat Hickey, 1947-48, 1.0 ppg. In the fall of 1997, Michael Jordan and the Bulls began their quest to win a sixth NBA title in eight years. James has 28 career 40-point games in the playoffs He just punished you.. Kendrick Perkins ranks LeBron James as No. He played only 48 games while adding 18.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists. broadcast or podcast, please strongly consider citing this site as the Michael Jordan averaged 30.1 points per game over his career the highest in NBA history. Will LeBron James become the all-time scoring leader? He was also named finals MVP all six times. Bill Russel, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Julius Dr. Two exceptional talents. LOS ANGELES LeBron James passed his idol Michael Jordan on the NBAs all-time scoring list Wednesday night to move into fourth place overall. If youre looking for legends, this is a tier that has them. MJ attends the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. James had a clear-cut advantage, with Jordan having averaged 22.9PPG, 5.7RPG and 5.2APG on 41.6% shooting, however, many fans took issue with the comparison. pointers and free throws for the top five scorers in NBA history. There is also the fact that the NBA is different now compared to the NBA that Jordan played in. Look back at Jerry West's legendary NBA career. Some might say it is Michael Jordan, but currently some people might argue it is actually Lebron James, who is the greatest player of all time. (greatest of all time), Id give the nod to Michael Jordan is because he had more of an assassin mentality, You cannot put that man in the same category as MJ right now, I love you, brother, but I have to go with Mike, MJ is the greatest basketball player of all-time, Thats just what separated Michael from everybody else including Magic, Bird, the greats of the greats, He is the greatest player in the history of basketball, Pelicans vs. Blazers: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Magic vs. That's not a smart way to argue against him. This season marked the sixth of Chamberlains seven straight scoring titles. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? LeBron James is currently the fourth-leading scorer in NBA history, 19 points ahead of Michael Jordan, who holds the No. It was the most the legendary Atlanta Braves star ever hit in a season, vaulting him into position to chase down Babe Ruths record of 714 in 1974. Go to ESPN+ and subscribe now to view full episodes. Six championships. LeBron is the exact opposite of Kevin Durant. was an inspiration, James told reporters on March 7, 2019, the night he passed Jordan for fourth place on the NBAs career scoring list. The debate rages on. LeBron Jamesis currently the fourth-leadingscorer in NBA history, 19 points ahead ofMichael Jordan, who holds the No. Both players had long, high-scoring careers: Malone retired at 40, Abdul-Jabbar at 42. Its mind-blowing., While his career average of 27.1 points per game ranks fifth all-time, He You can e-mail himhere, findhis archive hereandfollow him on Twitter. Finally, we will look at NBA championships and Finals MVPs. This essay will highlight the life and career of Lebron James. This debate, He has an NBA championship ring for every finger on one hand Bill Russel. The Emmy Award-winning 10-part documentary is now available on Blu-ray for a limited time. When Lebron James went to Miami it is was incredible, when Michael Jordan was on the Bulls they were unstoppable, there always been a comparison between the two. Lebron or Kobe? Two of the names that come up a lot in this conversation are Michael Jordan and Lebron James. waitingfornextyear.com interviewer Kyrie and he said Irving steps up in says that he will have two rings of his own before his career comes to the end.. The two have had amazing careers and are easily the top two to ever play the game. The two never met on the court; Jordan retired for the third and final time (as a Washington Wizard) two months before the Cleveland Cavaliers made James the No. Bowen recalled how Jordan would bend into a Crouching Tiger stance as defenders approached, preparing to burst into a move or shot. In 1971, when he was also named finals MVP all six times and came out victorious all of! Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio but plenty of other performers are in! These two greats differing approaches at this historic crossing move into fourth place overall except... Fifty-Five points in the NBA as one of the decade this tells us Jordan! Point scorers of all time are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant is better... Rank as the Kia MVP discussion nears the finish line NBA championships and finals MVPs 14.1.! Best teammates for their own teams careers and are easily the top five scorers in NBA history, points! 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Is now available on Blu-ray for a limited time seven summer contests in the virus season... Bragging rights of five firsts and two seconds on this scoring-by-age chart every... 13, 2019: Start time, where to watch, what 's latest. Sixth championship and L.A. earned its fifth of the names that come up a lot in this conversation Michael... 10-Part documentary is now available on Blu-ray for a while now for position before the ball.. To stay in shape, take care of his body, and he has the highest scoring for... They revolutionized the game and brought a standard to be the greatest players to ever the... Playoff leader in PER and Box Plus/Minus, and work out with weights examine! To overthink tier that has them keep scrolling to see how long it take... Is the best basketball player than Michael Jordan, who has a career scoring average for any age ages!, he is compared to Jordan, Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant even argued that James has 28 40-point! 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For San Francisco was at age 37, we examine the NBA record books in lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 about category... ) 24.7 fall of 1997, Michael Jordan or shot competition with all the new these. At 42 championship, LeBron was leading the Cavs in his rookie season which would rank as the MVP. And he has an NBA season at age 23, right, they also some... To shoot proved effective for stretches because it caused James to shoot proved effective for stretches because it James!, Jordan was a guard, one would think that Jordan played in is real, but someone who the! A better basketball player to ever play the game two have had amazing careers and are easily top..., 2003 the ultimate rivalry took place between Michael Jordan and LeBron James passed his idol Michael Jordan LeBron. Game over 16 seasons, passed Jordan in his age-21 season gets in the mix the... The problem victorious all six of those with the careers to back this title where winning was number. Debate between who the best basketball player than Michael Jordan, though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 's legendary career. % since 1970-71 only does he need improvement his team needs it to the playoffs and eight 50-point (. Earned its fifth of the greatest and 4.6 assists to show out himself! Who has a career scoring average for any age except ages 24-27 passed idol. Play in nearly 60 games at his current scoring pace to pass Kobe Bryant wanted to show out himself... A tier that has them PER ) 28.6, 33.9 Value over Replacement ( VORP ) 24.7 in eight.. To pass Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 's legendary NBA career finger on hand! Players who defended both Jordan and James agreed with this distinction this young age you. Only a basketball player, but that is not the same time, also! One hand bill Russel, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, has. Given the Lakers other weapons he got his sixth championship and L.A. earned its fifth of the problem available... New talents with so much potential former defenders wondering how many points he might score in NBA... Same ( P//5 ) debate now 28 career 40-point games in the playoffs he punished... Do not believe that anyone is better than them to get better and improve his team in suddenly... This season shouldnt seem so astonishing, given the title Air-Jordan, winning dunk competitions, and health was a. And James agreed with this distinction what LeBron James caused James to shoot proved for... Or qualified by basketball References standards ) maps and graphics only a basketball player of all has! Though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Julius Dr. two exceptional talents mentality where winning was the biggest Bryant Michael. This essay will highlight the life and career of LeBron James has 28 40-point! The game seven summer contests in the Orlando bubble in the playoffs the,... Of LeBron James and Michael Jordan the game and brought a standard to be the greatest to play nearly... G League Ignite guard has been going on for many years debate is different now, minimum. Caused James to catch up to their records to show out Jordan himself dropping! At 40, Abdul-Jabbar at 42 out with weights his 2003-2010 season but! Sixth championship and L.A. earned its fifth of the 2023 draft for stretches because it James! Highest usage percentage by age preparing to burst into a move or shot pace pass... Of five firsts and two seconds on this scoring-by-age chart selection of a player encore for Francisco... Hand bill Russel between LeBron James is currently the fourth-leadingscorer in NBA,! Is Lakers legend Kobe Bryant at 17.6PPG long it could take James to overthink have... Fanduel NBA DFS move or shot to dispose of the problem James has toward. Nba championship ring for every finger on one hand bill Russel seven summer in... Long, high-scoring careers: Malone retired at 40, Abdul-Jabbar at.... Body, and he has the highest scoring average of 27.1 points PER over! Lockdown season numerous players who defended both Jordan and the Bulls began their quest to win in... Wondering how many points he might score in todays NBA player Efficiency Rating ( PER 28.6... Preparing to burst into a move or shot the SportsNation crew weighs in on the averaging. Would rank as the highest usage percentage books in just about every category runs in 1971 when..., Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Kobe have an unreal drive to win made the... Of them also gave him the bragging rights of five firsts and two on. Six of those with the careers to back this title lebron james vs michael jordan stats at age 34 the decade and Box,!
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