The long-awaited ESPN documentary series “The Last Dance” will show a more youthful generation of NBA fans that Michael Jordan is much more than a man who offers retro tennis shoes. For those who saw Jordan’s success over the course of 2 three-peats with the Bulls, it will strengthen the belief he is the biggest gamer to ever touch the court.
A present star has actually made complex that GOAT (biggest of perpetuity) discussion, naturally. There is an argument to be produced putting LeBron James over Jordan, and James’ case will just grow more powerful as he continues to rise private leaderboards and chase champions in Los Angeles.
MORE: Release date, TELEVISION schedule for ESPN’s “The Last Dance”
Sporting News’ Expense Bender has a handy guide with the essential talking points if you’re all set to talk about MJ vs. LeBron, however we’re merely here to supply the realities you need to validate your option. Do not be the individual screaming “six rings” without any backup strategy.
Ahead of the Sunday night best of “The Last Dance,” here’s a better take a look at where the GOAT debate stands.
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Routine season stats
Jordan transcends in the scoring department, however James grabs meals and rebounds out helps at a greaterrate While both players are understood for solid defense on the wing, Jordan completed first in the league in takes 3 times in his profession. James has not yet declared a takes title.
In regards to durability, James holds a clear benefit. The space in overall numbers will expand as long as James remains healthy, and he does not appear to be decreasing at age 35.
Jordan | Per Game | LeBron |
301 | Points | 271 |
6.2 | Rebounds | 7.4 |
5.3 | Assists | 7.4 |
2.3 | Takes | 1.6 |
0.8 | Blocks | 0.8 |
2.7 | Turnovers | 3.5 |
383 | Minutes | 384 |
497 | Field goal % | 504 |
327 | 3-point % | 344 |
835 | Free toss % | 735 |
Jordan | Overalls | LeBron |
1,072 | Games | 1,258 |
32,292 | Points | 34,087 |
6,672 | Rebounds | 9,353 |
5,633 | Assists | 9,298 |
2,514 | Takes | 2,011 |
893 | Blocks | 951 |
2,924 | Turnovers | 4,402 |
41,011 | Minutes | 48,329 |
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Routine season advanced stats
It’s everything about which classification you pick when it comes to advanced stats. VORP and Win Shares prefer James, however PER and Box Plus/Minus go to Jordan.
Choose a side, geeks! (That’s a regard to endearment.)
Jordan | Advanced | LeBron |
279 | Gamer Effectiveness Score | 275 |
1161 | Worth Over Replacement | 1332 |
9.2 | Box Plus/Minus | 8.9 |
2140 | Win Shares | 2361 |
569 | True Shooting % | 586 |
333 | Use % | 315 |
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Playoff stats
The playoff stats mirror what Jordan and James produce throughout the routine season. In spite of James’ increased use and performance from beyond the arc over the course of his profession, it’s worth noting he shoots the very same portion as Jordan from 3-point variety (332).
Oh, and about the lazy narrative declaring James diminishes in big games– his postseason lines are typically more remarkable than his regular-season efficiencies. That’s not a wise method to refute him.
Jordan | Playoffs per Game | LeBron |
334 | Points | 289 |
6.4 | Rebounds | 8.9 |
5.7 | Assists | 7.1 |
2.1 | Takes | 1.8 |
0.9 | Blocks | 1.0 |
3.1 | Turnovers | 3.6 |
418 | Minutes | 420 |
487 | Field goal % | 491 |
332 | 3-point % | 332 |
828 | Free toss % | 743 |
Jordan | Playoff overalls | LeBron |
179 | Games | 239 |
5,987 | Points | 6,911 |
1,152 | Rebounds | 2,122 |
1,022 | Assists | 1,687 |
376 | Takes | 419 |
158 | Blocks | 232 |
546 | Turnovers | 866 |
7,474 | Minutes | 10,049 |
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Playoff advanced stats
Jordan is the all-time playoff leader in PER and Box Plus/Minus, and has the highest use portion, however James tops everybody in VORP and Win Shares. Yeah, these men are quite excellent.
Jordan | Advanced | LeBron |
286 | Gamer Effectiveness Score | 283 |
247 | Worth Over Replacement | 308 |
111 | Box Plus/Minus | 102 |
398 | Win Shares | 510 |
568 | True Shooting % | 579 |
356 | Use % | 322 |
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Awards and distinctions
And here’s the big one, Jordan fans have champions in their back pockets. MJ went a best 6-0 in the NBA Finals and never ever required a Game 7 to win those series.
James has actually gone 3-6 in his 9 NBA Finals looks, however he likewise managed the Eastern Conference with the Cavaliers and Heat for nearly a whole years. Another title or MVP would supply a substantial increase to his resume.
Jordan | Honors | LeBron |
6 | Champions | 3 |
5 | MVPs | 4 |
6 | Finals MVPs | 3 |
11 | All-NBA | 15 |
9 | All-Defense | 6 |
14 | All-Star | 16 |
10 | Scoring titles | 1 |