“The Last Dance,” now concluded, can be viewed as Michael Jordan’s case for being the greatest of all time. How does he stack up against LeBron James?
The two were very different players in different eras, which makes the comparison difficult. We have numbers and the eye test to assist us, however. Having watched both of them play a few zillion times, here is my take on the matter:
- LeBron is unquestionably bigger and stronger. He could probably have matched MJ in his prime in a foot race over a reasonable distance. Michael was quicker in small spaces; he could change directions and get off his feet more rapidly. To a large extent, that was the secret of his success.
- LeBron is a better passer and rebounder. Michael was the better shooter and overall scorer.
- Michael was a great defender from the minute he set foot in the NBA. LeBron, at his best, was just as good, and was more versatile, due to his size; he had to grow into it over a period of years, however. Viewing their careers as a whole, you would have to give MJ the edge.
- Both were/are great clutch players. For every iconic MJ shot, I can respond with a corresponding LeBron moment. It’s a wash.
- Michael won more titles, but with a better supporting cast. LeBron’s Cavaliers were mediocre defensive and rebounding teams. It was due solely to him that the Cavaliers played in so many NBA finals, against clearly superior opponents. Only his Heat teams were remotely comparable to the Bulls, and the tape shows that Wade and Bosh were past their prime by the time Miami lost to the Spurs in 2014. I would call this a wash, although some undoubtedly would disagree.
- I won’t be able to compare them as leaders until LeBron has his own documentary.
- LeBron is a cultural phenomenon, but not to the degree that Michael was. Probably no one ever will be. “The Last Dance” makes that very clear.
On balance, like most people, I would give a slight edge to MJ. It’s close, however.