The ESPN documentary series “The Last Dance” showed a younger generation of NBA fans that Michael Jordan is much more than a man selling retro sneakers. For those who saw Jordan’s greatness during two three-peat with the Bulls, it reinforced the belief that he is the greatest player to touch the court.
A current star has complicated that GOAT (greatest of all time) conversation, of course. There is an argument to be made for keeping LeBron James over Jordan, and James’ case only grew stronger when he led The Lakers the Heat the Past to the 2020 NBA Finals.
MORE: The biggest MJ game you definitely don’t remember
Sporting News’ Bill Bender has a helpful guide with the most important talking points if you’re ready to discuss MJ vs. LeBron, but we’re here to provide just the facts you need to justify your choice need to. Don’t be a person screaming “Six Ring” without a backup plan.
Here’s a look at where the GOAT debate stands …
(All figures current as of 19 March 2021)
Michael Jordan vs Lebron James: Regular Season Stats
Jordan is superior in the scoring department, but James catches the rebels and takes out the dishies at a high rate. While both players are known for strong defense on the wing, Jordan finished first in the league in steals three times in his career. James is yet to claim the title of robbery.
In terms of longevity, James holds a clear advantage. As long as James remains healthy, the difference in overall numbers will widen, and he does not appear to slow down at age 36.
| Jordan | Per game | Lebron |
| 30.1 is | numbers | 27.0 |
| 6.2 | Rebounds | Is 7.5 |
| 5.3 | help | 7.4 is |
| 2.3 | Chura | 1.6 |
| 0.8 | Blocks | 0.8 |
| 2.7 | Turnover | 3.5 is |
| 38.3 | Minute | 38.3 |
| 49.7 | field goal % | 50.4 |
| 32.7 | 3-point% | 34.5 |
| 83.5 | free throw % | 73.4 |
| Jordan | Total | Lebron |
| 1,072 | sport | 1,305 |
| Is 32,292 | numbers | Is 35,273 |
| Is 6,672 | Rebounds | 9,727 |
| Is 5,633 | help | Is 9,665 |
| 2,514 | Chura | 2,058 |
| 893 | Blocks | 981 |
| Is 2,924 | Turnover | Is 4,575 |
| 41,011 | Minute | Is 49,929 |
Michael Jordan vs Lebron James: Regularly Advanced Stats
It is all about which category you choose when it comes to advanced statistics. VORP and Vin share favor James, but Per and Box go to plus / minus Jordan.
Pick a favor, nerds! (It is a term of tenure.)
| Jordan | Advanced | Lebron |
| 27.9 | Player efficiency rating | 27.4 |
| 116.1 | Value over replacement | 137.0 |
| 9.2 | Box plus / minus | 8.9 |
| 214.0 | Win share | 242.2 |
| Is 56.9 | True shooting% | 58.7 |
| 33.3 | Usage% | 31.5 |
Michael Jordan vs Lebron James: Playoff Stats
Playoff statistics tell the Mirror what Jordan and James do during the regular season. Despite James’ increased use and efficiency beyond the arc during his career, it is worth noting that he shot about the same percentage as Jordan from 3-point range.
Oh, and the lazy narrative that James claims shrinks into big games – his postson lines are often more impressive than his regular-season appearances. This is not a smart way to argue against him.
| Jordan | Playoffs per game | Lebron |
| 33.4 | numbers | 28.8 |
| 6.4 | Rebounds | 9.0 |
| 5.7 | help | 7.2 |
| 2.1 | Chura | 1.7 |
| 0.9 | Blocks | 1.0 |
| 3.1 | Turnover | 3.7 |
| 41.8 | Minute | 41.6 |
| 48.7 | field goal % | ९ ९ .६ |
| 33.2 | 3-point% | 33.5 |
| 82.8 | free throw % | 74.1 |
| Jordan | Playoff totals | Lebron |
| 179 | sport | 260 |
| Is 5,987 | numbers | Is 7,491 |
| Is 1,152 | Rebounds | Is 2,348 |
| 1,022 | help | Is 1,871 |
| 376 is | Chura | Is 445 |
| 158 | Blocks | 250 |
| 546 is | Turnover | Is 950 |
| 7,474 | Minute | Is 10,811 |
Michael Jordan vs Lebron James: Playoff Advanced Stats
Jordan is the all-time playoff leader in par and box plus / minus, and has the highest usage percentage. But James is above all in VORP and Win Shares.
So yes, these people are very good.
| Jordan | Advanced | Lebron |
| 28.6 | Player efficiency rating | 28.4 |
| 24.7 | Value over replacement | 33.2 |
| 11.1 | Box plus / minus | 10.2 |
| 39.8 | Win share | 55.3 |
| 56.8 | True shooting% | 58.4 |
| 35.6 | Usage% | 32.1 |
Michael Jordan vs Lebron James: Exolades and Awards
And here is the big one. Jordan fans have the championship in their back pocket. MJ went 6–0 in the NBA Finals and never needed a Game 7 to win those series.
James went 4-6 in his 10 NBA Finals appearances, but he controlled the Eastern Conference with the Cavaliers and Heat for nearly a full decade.
| Jordan | Award | Lebron |
| 4 | The competitions | 4 |
| 5 | MVP | 4 |
| 4 | Final MVP | 4 |
| 1 1 | All-nba | 14 |
| 4 | All defense | 4 |
| 14 | all Star | 14 |
| 10 | Scoring title | 1 |
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