LeBron James Gets Real About Michael Jordan Debate With Surprising Take
Throughout much of LeBron James’ illustrious career, he has faced constant comparisons to Michael Jordan.
However, these discussions don’t carry much weight with James because he believes the two played drastically different styles.
“I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different,” James said during a recent interview with ESPN. “I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life. I have always looked for the pass. MJ kind of looked for the shot. Not kind of, he did. He looked for the shot.
“There are a lot of things where I would say my game is a lot different and a little better than his, but s—, he was f—ing great. We’re both great. We’re both great basketball players.”
As James points out, his playing style is more inclusive, with passing that’s more like what Magic Johnson did during his career. Meanwhile, Jordan was the epitome of a dominant scorer, which anchored his playing style.
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It isn’t to say that Jordan didn’t have that skill set, but it wasn’t as prominent as James has had throughout his career.
At the same time, James has tremendous respect and admiration for certain aspects of Jordan’s game.
“There are a lot of things that MJ did better than I do,” James said, “and I think there are some things that I do better than him. That’s just how the game goes. There’s a lot of things that I can say in particular. You already know how this conversation is going to be [misinterpreted] by people, man.
“I think I am one of one. I think the way I play the game, I am a one-of-one player. And MJ, as well. A f—ing unbelievable basketball player. I think his midrange jump shot was unbelievable. He did so many things great. I grew up f—ing analyzing everything that he did, how he could get to his spot and rise up above everybody. Obviously, his post game was elite. His will to win. I think that is a trait that we all know and that we all wanted to be like. His determination to win.”
These are two of the game’s greatest players, who will always draw comparisons to each other. It will always be an endless debate around them and their legacies.
