Michael Jordan remains the top choice as the greatest of all time among NBA players, but his advantage over LeBron James is dwindling.
In the recent poll conducted by The Athletic, 45.9 percent of the 133 participating players named His Airness as the GOAT, closely followed by James at 42.1 percent, with Kobe Bryant securing 9.8 percent of the votes.
Sam Amick, reporting for The Athletic, highlighted that Jordan’s lead over James has significantly narrowed compared to previous years. In 2019, Jordan held a commanding lead with 73 percent to James’ 11.9 percent, and in 2023, it was 58.3 percent to 33 percent. While this shift can partly be attributed to younger players entering the league who have primarily witnessed James’ career and are less familiar with Jordan’s era except through highlights, several players who favored LeBron shared their reasoning behind their choice.
“One player expressed, ‘I’d say LeBron.’ He emphasized the remarkable feat of maintaining excellence for 20 years, highlighting the significance of longevity. Despite facing immense pressure and expectations since entering the league, LeBron consistently performs at the highest level. The player noted that LeBron not only met but exceeded all expectations, attributing his success to his unparalleled vision, understanding of the game, and his profound impact on the court.”
Amick highlighted that those who favored James consistently cited his remarkable longevity, which comes as no surprise.
At 39 years old and completing his 21st NBA season, LeBron’s enduring presence on the court is a testament to his unparalleled staying power. Though he may not exhibit the same level of dominance as in his prime, LeBron’s impact remains significant. This season, he earned his 20th All-Star Game selection and played a pivotal role in guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to the playoffs, boasting impressive stats with averages of 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić were the only other players in the league to average at least 25 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds this season.
LeBron’s remarkable longevity allowed him to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record last year, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
“One player shared his perspective, ‘Who would I draft in an all-time draft?’ He emphasized choosing LeBron for his 20 years of greatness and versatility across all positions. In his hypothetical draft, he would select Shaquille O’Neal as the second pick, highlighting Shaq’s dominance on the court. Interestingly, this viewpoint came from a self-professed Kobe Bryant fan.”
Another player emphasized LeBron’s longevity and versatility. “For sure, LeBron,” he stated. “His ability to excel in every aspect of the game and win titles with multiple organizations, along with becoming the all-time scoring leader, showcases his longevity and adaptability. Everyone aims for longevity, but he has mastered it at the highest level. It’s truly remarkable.”
James is still in pursuit of Jordan in terms of NBA titles (six to four), NBA Finals MVPs (six to four), and league MVPs (five to four). However, even these statistics may not fully capture the distinction between the two players.
Jordan’s peak is often regarded as unmatched. Despite retiring for nearly two seasons to pursue baseball, he still managed to secure six championships within an eight-year span. Beyond his on-court achievements, Jordan’s influence transcended the sport, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
On the other hand, James has maintained an exceptional level of play across 21 seasons, showcasing remarkable longevity. Unlike Jordan, James has avoided extended retirements and continues to perform at an elite level, remaining among the league’s top players.
The debate between Jordan’s peak and James’ longevity has divided the NBA community, including players themselves.