The ESPN documentary series “The Last Dance” showed a younger generation of NBA fans that Michael Jordan is much more than a salesman of vintage sneakers. For those who have witnessed Jordan’s greatness during two three-game stints with the Bulls, it reinforces the belief that he is the greatest player to ever hit the field.
Of course, a current star complicates that GOAT (best of all time) conversation. There is an argument to be made to place LeBron James over Jordan, and James’ case only became stronger after he led the Lakers past the Heat in the NBA Finals 2020.
THAN: The Best MJ Game You Definitely Don’t Remember
Sporting News’ Bill Bender has a helpful guide with the most important communication points if you are ready to discuss between MJ and LeBron, but we are simply here to provide the information you need to justify your choice. Don’t be the one shouting “six rings” without a backup.
Here’s a closer look at the position of the GOAT debate. . .
(All stats current as of December 1, 2021)
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Regular Season Stats
Jordan excels in scoring, but James wins rebounds and creates assists at a higher rate. While both players are known for their tenacious defense on the flanks, Jordan finished first in the league with three steals in his career. James has yet to claim a stolen title.
In terms of longevity, James has a clear advantage. The gap in totals should widen as long as James stays fit and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down at 36.
| Jordan | Every game | LeBron |
| 30.1 | Point | 27.0 |
| 6.2 | Rebounds | 7.4 |
| 5.3 | Support | 7.4 |
| 2.3 | Thief | 1.6 |
| 0.8 | Block | 0.7 |
| 2.7 | Revenue | 3.5 |
| 38.3 | Minute | 38.2 |
| 49.7 | Target field% | 50.4 |
| 32.7 | 3 points % | 34.5 |
| 83.5 | % Free throws | 73.4 |
| Jordan | total | LeBron |
| 1.072 | Game | 1.321 |
| 32,292 | Point | 35.651 |
| 6,672 | Rebounds | 9.808 |
| 5.633 | Support | 9,771 |
| 2.514 | Thief | 2.083 |
| 893 | Block | 990 yen |
| 2.924 | Revenue | 4.633 |
| 41.011 | Minute | 50,461 |
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Regular Season Advanced Stats
It’s all about the category you choose when it comes to advanced statistics. VORP and Win Shares favor James, but PER and Box Plus/Minus go to Jordan.
Pick a side, nerd! (It’s a term of endearment.)
| Jordan | Advanced | LeBron |
| 27.9 | Evaluate the performance of the player | 27.3 |
| 116.1 | Substitute value | 137.8 |
| 9.2 | Plus / Minus Box | 8.8 |
| 214.0 | Win shares | 243.2 |
| 56.9 | % Realistic shooting | 58.6 |
| 33.3 | Use % | 31.5 |
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Playoff stats
Playoff stats reflect what Jordan and James make in the regular season. Despite James’s more use and effectiveness from outside the arc throughout his career, it’s worth noting that he shoots about the same rate as Jordan from the 3-point range.
Oh, and the lazy story claims James shrinks in the big games – his post-season stories are often more impressive than his usual off-season performances. That’s not a smart way to refute him.
| Jordan | Qualifiers per match | LeBron |
| 33.4 | Point | 28.7 |
| 6.4 | Rebounds | 9.0 |
| 5.7 | Support | 7.2 |
| 2.1 | Thief | 1.7 |
| 0.9 | Block | 0.9 |
| 3.1 | Revenue | 3.7 |
| 41.8 | Minute | 41.5 |
| 48.7 | Target field% | 49.5 |
| 33.2 | 3 points % | 33.7 |
| 82.8 | % Free throws | 74.0 |
| Jordan | Total Playoffs | LeBron |
| 179 | Game | 266 |
| 5,987 | Point | 7,631 |
| 1.152 | Rebounds | 2.391 |
| 1.022 | Support | 1,919 |
| 376 | Thief | 454 |
| 158 | Block | 252 |
| 546 | Revenue | 975 |
| 7.474 | Minute | 11.035 |
Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: Advanced playoff stats
Jordan is the all-time playoff leader in PER and Box Plus/Minus, and he has the highest usage rates. But James tops everyone in VORP and Win Shares.
So yeah, these guys are pretty good.
| Jordan | Advanced | LeBron |
| 28.6 | Evaluate the performance of the player | 28.2 |
| 24.7 | Substitute value | 33.9 |
| 11.1 | Plus / Minus Box | 10.2 |
| 39.8 | Win shares | 55.7 |
| 56.8 | % Realistic shooting | 58.3 |
| 35.6 | Use % | 32.0 |
Michael Jordan and LeBron James: Honors and Awards
And this is the big one. Jordan fans have the championship in their back pocket. MJ won a perfect 6-0 in the NBA Finals and never needed a Game 7 to win that series.
James has led 4-6 in 10 appearances in the NBA Finals, but he’s also led the Eastern Conference with the Cavaliers and Heat for nearly a decade.
| Jordan | Prize | LeBron |
| 6 | Championship | 4 |
| 5 | MVP | 4 |
| 6 | Final MVP | 4 |
| 11 | All NBA | 17 |
| 9 | Comprehensive defense | 6 |
| 14 | All-Star | 17 |
| ten | Scoring the title | first |
