I didn’t click the link because, well, it’s espn.
But to get into this... LeBron is going to have the better stats over MJ, perhaps over anyone when all is said and done. The guy has NEVER had a major injury and came into the league straight out of high school. By comparison, Jordan spent 3 years in college and missed nearly the entire season his second year in the league seasons “retired” in his prime, Jordan has already playednearly 6 seasons less in the league compared to LeBron.
So running stats are never going to be close, including another 3 retired seasons coming up at LeBrons age.
But when it comes to playing the game and winning, it’s Jordan. I oftentimes marvel LeBron James and the things he does. He’s that good. When he’s on, he’s unstoppable. But, he’s not ALWAYS on. Jordan had this fire, this edge that he didn’t bring every game, but nearly every play.
His scoring was obviously second to nobody. But his defense? All-time greatness. Yeah LeBron may get more assists and rebounds, but Jordan... that guy was a winner. He did whatever it took to win. I basically know him from the ‘90’s only, whereas he was a more prolific stat-accumulator in the ‘80’s. I saw all of LeBron’s career and have always been impressed, and at times flabbergasted.
But, he couldn’t beat our Celtics in 2008-2010, forcing him to abandon ship and create a super team with friends. Yet, still, he lost to teams like the Mavs and Magic. Jordan took on the best there was (from Showtime to Barkley and KJ To Clyde the Glide to Payton and Kemp to Stockton and Malone), and often prevented a lot of these guys from winning rings.
Saying LeBron is not the GOAT (although his story isn’t over) is not hating on him or living in the past, but a testament to how great Jordan was. The guy changed the game and will be an icon for as long as basketball is a sport.