Are people really considering Lebron a better player than Jordan? SERIOUSLY!?

[CaptainJackLee]

In terms of achievements it's not comparable and probably LeBron will come up short.

As basketball players, I still give the edge to Jordan but LeBron James has a chance of matching Jordan. At least in terms of peak it's very close, we'll see when it comes to durability.

I also think James has been one of the best defenders in the league for the last few years.

[indeedproceed]

LeBron James physically is levels above Jordan. Skill-wise, he's easily the best player in basketball right now, and probably the best since Jordan left (there are arguments to be made for Tim Duncan, Grant Hill (pre-injury), Kobe I guess). I hope that its not a foregone conclusion, but it looks like he's on his way to the first of multiple titles this season.

However, saying LeBron is better than Jordan right now is ridiculous. The six rings argument is literally the only one that matters. But, if we're having this same discussion in 3 years after a 3-peat, it bears consideration.

Man I just threw up in my mouth a little.

[Jon]

The comparisons isn't logical now.  But as much as I don't want to see it happen, it could happen.  Jordan won his first title at 27.  LeBron is 27 now.  People questioned Jordan's ability to do much more than put up gaudy stats early in his career; same with LeBron. 

[Dante]

Yes, seriously. Does that answer your question?

[Bahku]

LeBron James physically is levels above Jordan. Skill-wise, he's easily the best player in basketball right now, and probably the best since Jordan left (there are arguments to be made for Tim Duncan, Grant Hill (pre-injury), Kobe I guess). I hope that its not a foregone conclusion, but it looks like he's on his way to the first of multiple titles this season.

However, saying LeBron is better than Jordan right now is ridiculous. The six rings argument is literally the only one that matters. But, if we're having this same discussion in 3 years after a 3-peat, it bears consideration.

Man I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Esomeprazole 20mg BID AC ... should help.

[mgent]

Nah, they're joking.

[dark_lord]

the media needs a story

[Tgro]

I'll bet most of the people who say Lebron is better either don't remember too well or aren't old enough to have seen Michael in his prime. Too many people are believing the hype and are just enamored with what is the NOW. He's probably the best player NOW without question, but in terms of who is better, I can't see Lebron being as awesome as MJ at that high a level for all those years. I think he'll end up being ONE of the all time greats, but if you think he's better than MJ you either forgot how awesome MJ was or you never seen him in the first place. Lets come back and talk about this in about 8 years and see how they stack up.  

[Roy H.]

Scottie Pippen is trying to do a double backwards reverse logic on the entire world.

This is how it works.

1 - Notice fans chanting "Scottie Pippen!" at Lebron.

2 - Befriend Lebron hoping he returns the love

3 - Say Lebron is better than Jordan

4 - Hope Lebron wins at least 7 rings

5 - After 7 rings people state Lebron is better than Jordan

6 - Remind people that the player they called "Scottie Pippen" is better than Jordan

7 - Now Scottie Pippen is better than Jordan

Classic.

[JoT]

Scotie's timing was what made me more disappointed. It was literally the day after the Bulls were knocked out in an emotional game 5 by the the Heat. I found that really disrespectful on his behalf to say LeBron could or will be better than Jordan after he beat the Bulls with the Heat. He hurt many Bulls fans who were already hurt by the loss and it sounds like jealousy on his behalf.

Me I won't compare them. They played in different eras and played by different rules. LeBron will be great in his time and Jordan was great in his. I will say though that while Scottie does sound a bit jealous, he really was a good #2 to Jordan.

[Roy H.]

The six rings argument is literally the only one that matters. But, if we're having this same discussion in 3 years after a 3-peat, it bears consideration.

The crazy thing about Jordan's dominance in his area is that he very well could have won eight straight if he didn't take a hiatus.  I don't think even three rings gets Lebron into the conversation with Jordan.

[JoT]

I'll bet most of the people who say Lebron is better either don't remember too well or aren't old enough to have seen Michael in his prime. Too many people are believing the hype and are just enamored with what is the NOW. He's probably the best player NOW without question, but in terms of who is better, I can't see Lebron being as awesome as MJ at that high a level for all those years. I think he'll end up being ONE of the all time greats, but if you think he's better than MJ you either forgot how awesome MJ was or you never seen him in the first place. Lets come back and talk about this in about 8 years and see how they stack up.  

Thats's exactly what my dad, grandfather, uncle heck my mom and her friends said when they heard it. Some people never actually grew up with Jordan to really see him.
LeBron is athletic as all gets out. He's quick especially for his size, but I still would say Jordan was better.
Also it's funny because now Kobe's next Jordan comparisons have been dumped to the side for LeBron. They stopped mentioning Kobe and just moved right on to LeBron. That's how I know it probably can't be true. The media are just fishing for a next Jordan comparison to gather money and buzz. I wonder who's the next Jordan? Rose? Durant? or a future playher coming from the draft to make them money.

[banty19]

"Back in my day I used to walk 5 miles in the snow..."

I do think MJ was one of the greatest players ever but it seems like everybody is elevating him to god-like status. As of right now, he's definitely superior to Lebron, but I think the discussion is a lot closer than people would like to believe.

The rings argument is somewhat valid. However, does that mean KG wasn't a great player because he didn't win rings with Minnesota? Even great players need help. Jordan had Pippen and Rodman. Shaq had Kobe and Wade. Duncan had Manu, Robinson, and Parker. The list goes on and on.

Who did Lebron have in Cleveland? Big Z? Mo Williams? I think it's pretty amazing that he singlehandedly made that team legitimate for years, going to the Conference Finals and NBA Finals on separate occasions.

Like others have mentioned, the true test will be now that he does have some help. So far, he's passing with flying colors and I expect this to continue against Dallas. He might even be the best guy to defend Dirk.

[indeedproceed]

The six rings argument is literally the only one that matters. But, if we're having this same discussion in 3 years after a 3-peat, it bears consideration.

The crazy thing about Jordan's dominance in his area is that he very well could have won eight straight if he didn't take a hiatus.  I don't think even three rings gets Lebron into the conversation with Jordan.

How far do you buy the "JOrdan's competition isn't what today's competition is" argument?

Two years ago, I would've bought it..but with Durant not yet matured, Kobe declining and the Lakers imploding, the Bulls obviously not ready, and the Celtics too old (right now)...I can't imagine for a second that the Bulls wouldn't have ripped the Mavs to shreds.

[Eja117]

Socrates did the same thing.  He got named the wisest man in the world.  Then he said Athens should be run by a philosopher king.  He was the most famous philosopher in town. Logically he should be king.  Poison the youth.  Tell them democracy has problems.

The Philosopher King was Plato's idea.

Plato wrote about it first.....in which Socrates speaks about it .....he has Socrates saying lots of stuff I guess

I guess Pippen isn't the first to muse that Bron is better than Jordan