"In a video promoting the NBA 2K14 video game that is being released today, Jordan said there's a long list of players he would've liked to have played one-on-one — Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, [Kobe] Bryant and [LeBron] James, who dons the cover of this year's game.
"I don't think I would lose," Jordan said in the video, before smiling and adding, "Other than to Kobe Bryant, because he steals all of my moves."
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Love and respect the G.O.A.T, but I think this is an outlandish statement...
Lebron has a good 70-85 pounds and 3 inches over Kobe, and just as quick... Lebron is and might be a better defender in his prime, not to mention he's an freakish athlete with crazy motor, and is only better now that his post game has been defined and perfected... (Watch the Finals last year, and see how many times players tried posting up on him, only for him to fade away, shoot the jumper, or lean in for a finger roll or a foul.)
Kobe would try to out shoot him, but people forget Lebron shot 40.6% from the 3... While Kobe has only shot 38.3% for his best career average, despite the fact Kobe actually shoots relatively a lot more 3's than Lebron. But LBJ strength isn't his shooting.. Its his ability to drive, and basically be unguarded...
Now for everyone living under a rock... Its obvious that MJ feels threatened.. Back when there was LBJ vs Kobe arguments... Jordan would always side with Kobe. Kobe tried so hard to mirror Jordan's game, and even changed his game numerous times to really be a poor man's version of Jordan.
LBJ has never ever tried to mirror Jordan... In fact he has set his own original legacy, and is only one of a kind. People have tried to compare him to Magic... But guess what? Magic was never ever solid at defense, and will never ever be as athletic as LBJ is. Nor is he ridiculously talented, gifted, and skilled as LBJ is. He has and had the best freakish athleticism that the NBA has never seen before.
In any 1 on 1... LBJ would beat MJ or Kobe any day of the week... MJ feels threatened because LBJ is slowly impeding on his legacy, and he should.
As much as I dislike LBJ, I realize his ability to play the game will surpass even MJ if he keeps going on strong and healthy for the next 6-10 years.