[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Oscar Robertson’s comments have sparked great interest among the basketball world. Is LeBron James as talented or better than Michael Jordan? I plan to lose points on this thread but hear me out here and actually read this entirely before stating your opinion.

 

LeBron James is better athletically and phsyically, yeah sure we all agree on that, but when it comes to basketball skills, the driving ability, his rebounding ability, his passing ability, and how easy it is for LeBron to score makes him better. BUT what makes Michael Jordan the all time great, is the way he was able to impose his will on the other team. The way he was able to take over games on both ends of the floor. The way he would command his team with natural leadership. Leading by example and trusting his teammates to follow in his footsteps, which they did, and not just trusting his teammates to follow, but helping them along the way. LeBron is probably a better player, but when it comes to the mental aspect of the game, Michael Jordan is on a level that may never be reached for as long as we live.

[billykParticipant]

SMH…. Have you ever seen Jordan play???

"basketball skills, the driving ability, his rebounding ability, his passing ability, and how easy it is for LeBron to score makes him better"

I feel its the other way around, except for maybe court vision…

[billykParticipant]

SMH…. Have you ever seen Jordan play???

"basketball skills, the driving ability, his rebounding ability, his passing ability, and how easy it is for LeBron to score makes him better"

I feel its the other way around, except for maybe court vision…

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

lebron isnt a better player than MJ

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

lebron isnt a better player than MJ

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

I knew people would take this the wrong way. Michael Jordan’s ability to simply win games is what makes him the all time great, his ability to make teammates better is what makes his the all time great, his hustles on boths ends on either the first play, 50th play or last play of the game makes him the greatest, his leadership is what makes him the greatest, his clutch plays is what makes him the greatest.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

I knew people would take this the wrong way. Michael Jordan’s ability to simply win games is what makes him the all time great, his ability to make teammates better is what makes his the all time great, his hustles on boths ends on either the first play, 50th play or last play of the game makes him the greatest, his leadership is what makes him the greatest, his clutch plays is what makes him the greatest.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

How about you guys don’t state stupid opinions unless your going to explain them?

"Have you seen Jordan play?"

"Lebron isn’t better than MJ"

 

How about you guys explain yourselves instead of just saying that.  SMH guys.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

How about you guys don’t state stupid opinions unless your going to explain them?

"Have you seen Jordan play?"

"Lebron isn’t better than MJ"

 

How about you guys explain yourselves instead of just saying that.  SMH guys.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

To be honest… I think we need to stop comparing LeBron to MJ. It’s over. 

He’s just not MJ. He has a few better qualities than MJ had, but there are too many differences mentally. LeBron doesn’t have that same mindset. He wants to throw parties on South Beach not prove he’s the greatest ever. LeBron isn’t worrying about "spoiling" us fans, while MJ wanted to put on a show for us every night. LeBron isn’t a killer like Jordan, Bird or even Isiah was. He’s not a killer like Kobe is. I don’t even see the same focus/determination in LeBron that I see in a young player like Durant.  

Just two completely different ball players when discussing MJ and Jordan. LeBron will win 2-3 titles in Miami and cement himself in the top ten, but he’ll never be in Jordan’s class in my opinion.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

To be honest… I think we need to stop comparing LeBron to MJ. It’s over. 

He’s just not MJ. He has a few better qualities than MJ had, but there are too many differences mentally. LeBron doesn’t have that same mindset. He wants to throw parties on South Beach not prove he’s the greatest ever. LeBron isn’t worrying about "spoiling" us fans, while MJ wanted to put on a show for us every night. LeBron isn’t a killer like Jordan, Bird or even Isiah was. He’s not a killer like Kobe is. I don’t even see the same focus/determination in LeBron that I see in a young player like Durant.  

Just two completely different ball players when discussing MJ and Jordan. LeBron will win 2-3 titles in Miami and cement himself in the top ten, but he’ll never be in Jordan’s class in my opinion.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 I watched Mike growing up he was the first athlete I ever liked and went out my way to see play.  It is probably because of him that basketball is my favorite sport, that and I’m dam good at it myself.

But LeBron James does do a lot of things better then Jordan.  James is bigger, faster, stronger, can handle the ball better, can pass better, and yes he can even rebound better.

But the thing that James doesn’t do better then Jordan are the most 3 most important things and that is ultimatly the difference that separates these two transcending talents.  Jordan was and is a way better jump shooter.  Jordan was and is a better on ball defender.  Lebron is good is defense and gets steals and blocks but he don’t play defense with Jordans itntensity.  Jordan brought the same intensity to every game against every player.   Lebron doesn’t do that yet. And the last thing Jordan was better at is leading.  Leadership is very vague subject to discuss almost vague in the sense its hard to define.  Some people have it and some people don’t.  And then 2 people will have it but one person will just be clearly better at it and nobody can put their finger on why he is better there is no math to be able to judge somebodies leadership abilities.  

And ultimatly Jordan was the fiercest competitor in all of sports.  For these reasons Jordan was better.  He lived in the clutch moments.  He was the man and James is just that dude.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 I watched Mike growing up he was the first athlete I ever liked and went out my way to see play.  It is probably because of him that basketball is my favorite sport, that and I’m dam good at it myself.

But LeBron James does do a lot of things better then Jordan.  James is bigger, faster, stronger, can handle the ball better, can pass better, and yes he can even rebound better.

But the thing that James doesn’t do better then Jordan are the most 3 most important things and that is ultimatly the difference that separates these two transcending talents.  Jordan was and is a way better jump shooter.  Jordan was and is a better on ball defender.  Lebron is good is defense and gets steals and blocks but he don’t play defense with Jordans itntensity.  Jordan brought the same intensity to every game against every player.   Lebron doesn’t do that yet. And the last thing Jordan was better at is leading.  Leadership is very vague subject to discuss almost vague in the sense its hard to define.  Some people have it and some people don’t.  And then 2 people will have it but one person will just be clearly better at it and nobody can put their finger on why he is better there is no math to be able to judge somebodies leadership abilities.  

And ultimatly Jordan was the fiercest competitor in all of sports.  For these reasons Jordan was better.  He lived in the clutch moments.  He was the man and James is just that dude.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

There we go, Indiana and 19134 hit the nail on the head, that’s exactly what I’m trying to explain, LeBron is better is a lot of aspects of the game, but when it comes to the mental part of it, the ability to win, and leading.. Michael Jordan is in a class of his own.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

There we go, Indiana and 19134 hit the nail on the head, that’s exactly what I’m trying to explain, LeBron is better is a lot of aspects of the game, but when it comes to the mental part of it, the ability to win, and leading.. Michael Jordan is in a class of his own.

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

u nailed wiht why jordan is the goat no one ever has had his un court leader ship abilities everyone around him always played that much harder wanting the goat praise and not the harshness hed unleash on u if u didnt do your job invidually lebron yes has the tools but he dont ive been docked on here before it he doesnt make everyone around him better like jordan does people say those cleve land teams sucked well thats what the bnoat wanted so thats what he got and he aint winnin jack with the heat he will never win a championship

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

u nailed wiht why jordan is the goat no one ever has had his un court leader ship abilities everyone around him always played that much harder wanting the goat praise and not the harshness hed unleash on u if u didnt do your job invidually lebron yes has the tools but he dont ive been docked on here before it he doesnt make everyone around him better like jordan does people say those cleve land teams sucked well thats what the bnoat wanted so thats what he got and he aint winnin jack with the heat he will never win a championship

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

It’s not just mental though.

I also feel that Jordan had a more complete game. Other than his three-point shooting (which he was probably average at), I don’t think Jordan had any holes in his game. He could kill you in the low or mid post. He had arguably the best mid-range game in NBA history. He could play off of the ball. He could catch and shoot. He could hit you with the one or two dribble pull up. He had a SERIES of counter moves and fakes, which is something we’ve NEVER seen from LeBron. His footwork, similar to Kobe’s, was flawless. He could take you off of the dribble and explode past you with his first step. He could finish over the top of people, which was something he was able to do even when he was an OLD man.

On the defensive side of the ball… He was a TRUE lockdown defender.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

It’s not just mental though.

I also feel that Jordan had a more complete game. Other than his three-point shooting (which he was probably average at), I don’t think Jordan had any holes in his game. He could kill you in the low or mid post. He had arguably the best mid-range game in NBA history. He could play off of the ball. He could catch and shoot. He could hit you with the one or two dribble pull up. He had a SERIES of counter moves and fakes, which is something we’ve NEVER seen from LeBron. His footwork, similar to Kobe’s, was flawless. He could take you off of the dribble and explode past you with his first step. He could finish over the top of people, which was something he was able to do even when he was an OLD man.

On the defensive side of the ball… He was a TRUE lockdown defender.

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

I agree with much of what is being said, although I do think that killer instinct or at least, people’s perception of a players instinct can improve over time. Kobe for instance, was always though of as clutch, but he didn’t really have that reputation as cold-blooded killer until recently. Lebron has a chance to improve on that as well, and he has already proven that he can come up big in the playoffs.

Also, Lebron will probably not ever defend on Jordan’s level, but he was first team all defense, and his on the ball defense has really improved and I think it will improve even more in Miami, where he doesn’t have to shoulder so much of the scoring load. 

@Mr. 1934

You are mostly right, but I think Lebron is already a better 3 point shooter than Jordan, and he will continue to improve his midrange jump shot. 

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

I agree with much of what is being said, although I do think that killer instinct or at least, people’s perception of a players instinct can improve over time. Kobe for instance, was always though of as clutch, but he didn’t really have that reputation as cold-blooded killer until recently. Lebron has a chance to improve on that as well, and he has already proven that he can come up big in the playoffs.

Also, Lebron will probably not ever defend on Jordan’s level, but he was first team all defense, and his on the ball defense has really improved and I think it will improve even more in Miami, where he doesn’t have to shoulder so much of the scoring load. 

@Mr. 1934

You are mostly right, but I think Lebron is already a better 3 point shooter than Jordan, and he will continue to improve his midrange jump shot. 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I don’t know… I disagree with you.

Kobe had ice in his veins as an 17-18 year old. He didn’t think twice about taking those shots vs Utah. He missed them, but you just knew that he was going to make big shots in his career. I’ve NEVER felt that way about LeBron. TO ME, Kobe was born with it, while LeBron is trying to learn it. I’m not sure if you can learn to have killer instinct in the clutch.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I don’t know… I disagree with you.

Kobe had ice in his veins as an 17-18 year old. He didn’t think twice about taking those shots vs Utah. He missed them, but you just knew that he was going to make big shots in his career. I’ve NEVER felt that way about LeBron. TO ME, Kobe was born with it, while LeBron is trying to learn it. I’m not sure if you can learn to have killer instinct in the clutch.

[billykParticipant]

Have you ever seen Jordan play anytime in his prime??? The reason why I asked that question was because it was clear Jordan was a more complete offensive and defensive player than Lebron… The only thing Lebron had on Jordan was court vision and a slight edge in rebounding, although Jordan was an underrated rebounder.. You could probaly argue that Jordan was just as good as a rebounder as Lebron, for the fact that Jordan played with 2 power fowards (Grant and Rodman) that were elite level rebounders… Its harder to rebound when you play the type of on ball defense Jordan played…

[billykParticipant]

Have you ever seen Jordan play anytime in his prime??? The reason why I asked that question was because it was clear Jordan was a more complete offensive and defensive player than Lebron… The only thing Lebron had on Jordan was court vision and a slight edge in rebounding, although Jordan was an underrated rebounder.. You could probaly argue that Jordan was just as good as a rebounder as Lebron, for the fact that Jordan played with 2 power fowards (Grant and Rodman) that were elite level rebounders… Its harder to rebound when you play the type of on ball defense Jordan played…

[andxxxParticipant]

 I’m about to get big negatives for this. Jordan’s the GOAT, but we’re acting like Lebron can’t become a better shooter or defender Jordan developed way faster, but Lebron has a lot of room for improvement.

Even mentally Jordan did not always have it going for him until he didn’t become serious about his work ethic until Tim Grover came to the Bulls and then he started developing that legendary work ethic.  Lebron has had to deal with high expectations since he was 16 and not only answered them, but surpassed. Jordan leads in a different way than Lebron which does not make him a better leader, Jordan would get the best out of his teammates, but he constantly bullied his teammates and made them feel bad about themselves he was well-respected, but not necessarily liked. Lebron has been shown to be a vocal leader that most teammates actually love to play with, you don’t need Jordan’s personality to be effective look at Tim Duncan and Hakeem. It’s not his fault ppl like mo williams never had the talent of a scottie pippen and his former coach mike brown isn’t even in the same class as Phil.

Lebron will probably never be equal to or better than Jordan, but then again who will? But Lebron does have everything mentally and physically to become very, very good.

[andxxxParticipant]

 I’m about to get big negatives for this. Jordan’s the GOAT, but we’re acting like Lebron can’t become a better shooter or defender Jordan developed way faster, but Lebron has a lot of room for improvement.

Even mentally Jordan did not always have it going for him until he didn’t become serious about his work ethic until Tim Grover came to the Bulls and then he started developing that legendary work ethic.  Lebron has had to deal with high expectations since he was 16 and not only answered them, but surpassed. Jordan leads in a different way than Lebron which does not make him a better leader, Jordan would get the best out of his teammates, but he constantly bullied his teammates and made them feel bad about themselves he was well-respected, but not necessarily liked. Lebron has been shown to be a vocal leader that most teammates actually love to play with, you don’t need Jordan’s personality to be effective look at Tim Duncan and Hakeem. It’s not his fault ppl like mo williams never had the talent of a scottie pippen and his former coach mike brown isn’t even in the same class as Phil.

Lebron will probably never be equal to or better than Jordan, but then again who will? But Lebron does have everything mentally and physically to become very, very good.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

You’re wrong lol.

Jordan had ALWAYS been a hard worker, which was something that developed in high school. You clearly haven’t watched the Jordan videos Come Fly with Me, etc lol.

Tim Grover played a HUGE role in Jordan’s career, but it wasn’t with Jordan’s work ethic. He just worked with Jordan in the weight room. Jordan was tired of getting beat up by the Pistons, so he got in the weight room.

Let’s just set this straight… LeBron isn’t the leader Jordan was PERIOD. A leader understands that he isn’t always going to be liked. A leader doesn’t give a sh*t about being well liked. I see this in Kobe, but not LeBron.

And yes, I do think LeBron can still get better… However, it’s his 8th season in the NBA. It’s VERY close to pouring the cement and letting it harden in regard to the player he’s going to be.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

You’re wrong lol.

Jordan had ALWAYS been a hard worker, which was something that developed in high school. You clearly haven’t watched the Jordan videos Come Fly with Me, etc lol.

Tim Grover played a HUGE role in Jordan’s career, but it wasn’t with Jordan’s work ethic. He just worked with Jordan in the weight room. Jordan was tired of getting beat up by the Pistons, so he got in the weight room.

Let’s just set this straight… LeBron isn’t the leader Jordan was PERIOD. A leader understands that he isn’t always going to be liked. A leader doesn’t give a sh*t about being well liked. I see this in Kobe, but not LeBron.

And yes, I do think LeBron can still get better… However, it’s his 8th season in the NBA. It’s VERY close to pouring the cement and letting it harden in regard to the player he’s going to be.

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

But see, I think that the fact that Lebron isn’t clutch is a misconception. Stats don’t mean everything, but Lebron leads the league in every clutch stat you can possibly devise. As I’ve said, he has repeatedly come up huge in the playoffs. What do you call those 25 straight points against Detroit?

He had a "bad" playoff series against Orlando last year, where he averaged 26 7 and 7. It seems like you have unreasonable expectations.

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

But see, I think that the fact that Lebron isn’t clutch is a misconception. Stats don’t mean everything, but Lebron leads the league in every clutch stat you can possibly devise. As I’ve said, he has repeatedly come up huge in the playoffs. What do you call those 25 straight points against Detroit?

He had a "bad" playoff series against Orlando last year, where he averaged 26 7 and 7. It seems like you have unreasonable expectations.

[xavier328Participant]

It would’ve been a argument over Kobe and MJ.

[xavier328Participant]

It would’ve been a argument over Kobe and MJ.

[andxxxParticipant]

 Jordan actually did care about being liked a lot of things he did didn’t come out until his first retirement, he had endorsement deals to worry about.  Just because Lebron’s teammates actually like him does not make him a worse leader than Jordan.

[andxxxParticipant]

 Jordan actually did care about being liked a lot of things he did didn’t come out until his first retirement, he had endorsement deals to worry about.  Just because Lebron’s teammates actually like him does not make him a worse leader than Jordan.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

LeBron is a leader. I won’t call him a great one though. He’s still learning to lead.

I just think being a leader is similar to being a parent. Your kids have to both love and even FEAR you at the same time. You want to have a great relationship with them, but you’re not worried about being their best friend. They have to know and understand that you won’t hesitate to get in their ass if they act up. Is that LeBron? NO. His teammates gave up on him vs the Celtics. Did you see it? I mean, they literally put their arms down, gave up fighting and quit. Jordan would’ve RIPPED that lockerroom a part post game. After the lost to the Celtics, LeBron made excuses and said he "spoiled" the fans.

All of the river dancing on the sidelines, celebrating championships during the regular season… Not shaking hands or showing up to the podim post game. Flirting with the media about free-agency during the regular season… LeBron isn’t that great of a leader.

[Pro-21Participant]

Scottie Pippen was arguably a top 5 player and he had dennis rodman at on e point too and a bunch of other players….and lebron had better regualr season record then jordan and did what jordan cud NEVER do, which was bring a team to the finals ALL BY HIMSELF. LBJ can do everything MJ cud do andd more

 

[Pro-21Participant]

Scottie Pippen was arguably a top 5 player and he had dennis rodman at on e point too and a bunch of other players….and lebron had better regualr season record then jordan and did what jordan cud NEVER do, which was bring a team to the finals ALL BY HIMSELF. LBJ can do everything MJ cud do andd more

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

LeBron is a leader. I won’t call him a great one though. He’s still learning to lead.

I just think being a leader is similar to being a parent. Your kids have to both love and even FEAR you at the same time. You want to have a great relationship with them, but you’re not worried about being their best friend. They have to know and understand that you won’t hesitate to get in their ass if they act up. Is that LeBron? NO. His teammates gave up on him vs the Celtics. Did you see it? I mean, they literally put their arms down, gave up fighting and quit. Jordan would’ve RIPPED that lockerroom a part post game. After the lost to the Celtics, LeBron made excuses and said he "spoiled" the fans.

All of the river dancing on the sidelines, celebrating championships during the regular season… Not shaking hands or showing up to the podim post game. Flirting with the media about free-agency during the regular season… LeBron isn’t that great of a leader.

[andxxxParticipant]

 Jordan was a great player, but you act like Jordan would have been able to lead that Cavs team past the Celtics and we don’t even know whether Lebron did or did not say anything to his teammates

[andxxxParticipant]

 Jordan was a great player, but you act like Jordan would have been able to lead that Cavs team past the Celtics and we don’t even know whether Lebron did or did not say anything to his teammates

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

You need to take a journey back to 1985-1991 and see who Jordan had to compete against to win that first ring… Then compare that to who LeBron has had to compete against in the East.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

You need to take a journey back to 1985-1991 and see who Jordan had to compete against to win that first ring… Then compare that to who LeBron has had to compete against in the East.

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

exactly what indy bball said, hes just not MJ, if stupid ass oscar robertson didnt have to be such a dumbass and say lebron is the best of all time, not in those words, then we wouldnt be having this conversation… so how bout we just stop it right there, cuz lebron will never be MJ, there will never be another MJ!!!!!!!

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

exactly what indy bball said, hes just not MJ, if stupid ass oscar robertson didnt have to be such a dumbass and say lebron is the best of all time, not in those words, then we wouldnt be having this conversation… so how bout we just stop it right there, cuz lebron will never be MJ, there will never be another MJ!!!!!!!

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

 Universal, that is a ridiculous attitude. Do you think that basketball players will just stop improving? I bet 40 years ago they were saying there will never be another player as good as Cousy. 

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

 Universal, that is a ridiculous attitude. Do you think that basketball players will just stop improving? I bet 40 years ago they were saying there will never be another player as good as Cousy. 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

He didn’t say there wouldn’t be another player better than MJ. He said there’d never be another MJ. Two different statements right there.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

He didn’t say there wouldn’t be another player better than MJ. He said there’d never be another MJ. Two different statements right there.

[billykParticipant]

Actually basketball has taken a step back.. The players are bigger, stronger, faster, and more athletic… But, the quality of basketball and the IQ of some of these players have not improved that much.. I dont know if its AAU, the fact the players are treated like kings at young age, but the coaching of fundamentals just doesnt seem to be there… Alot of players enter the league and they can do simple things like boxing out or making a solid two hand rebound (i could probaly go on forever)…

 

 

[billykParticipant]

Actually basketball has taken a step back.. The players are bigger, stronger, faster, and more athletic… But, the quality of basketball and the IQ of some of these players have not improved that much.. I dont know if its AAU, the fact the players are treated like kings at young age, but the coaching of fundamentals just doesnt seem to be there… Alot of players enter the league and they can do simple things like boxing out or making a solid two hand rebound (i could probaly go on forever)…

 

 

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

no… im sayin there will  never be a player better than MJ

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

no… im sayin there will  never be a player better than MJ

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

Indiana, 

That was definitely not what he was implying. There will never be another Brian Scalabrine either. 

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

Indiana, 

That was definitely not what he was implying. There will never be another Brian Scalabrine either. 

[yadskiiParticipant]

lebron nd jordan r different players there’s no need 2 compare them jordan was tha greatest of his time lebron is tha greatest or soon 2 be greatest of this time..just sit bacc nd enjoy tha show leave personal opinion behind nd watch him play its a thing of beauty

[yadskiiParticipant]

lebron nd jordan r different players there’s no need 2 compare them jordan was tha greatest of his time lebron is tha greatest or soon 2 be greatest of this time..just sit bacc nd enjoy tha show leave personal opinion behind nd watch him play its a thing of beauty

[Author]

Posts