I know that a lot of NBA fans would really like to know who is the best player at 39 years old between LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Going through nine different stats categories, we will find out who is the winner of this very interesting comparison.
For reference, we are going to compare those three legends in the seasons when they became 39 years old:
2023-24 LeBron James (39-Year-Old)
2002-03 Michael Jordan (39-Year-Old)
1986-87 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (39-Year-Old)
Points Per Game (PPG)
1. LeBron James – 25.3 PPG (3 Points)
2. Michael Jordan – 20.0 PPG (2 Points)
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 17.5 PPG (1 Point)
In the realm of scoring, LeBron James emerges as a dominant force, averaging an impressive 25.3 points per game, earning him the top spot and three points. Michael Jordan, while trailing behind with 20.0 points per game, still showcases his scoring prowess, securing two points. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with 17.5 points per game, demonstrates his enduring effectiveness on the offensive end, garnering one point.
Rebounds Per Game (RPG)
1. LeBron James – 7.3 RPG (3 Points)
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 6.7 RPG (2 Points)
3. Michael Jordan – 6.1 RPG (1 Point)
LeBron James asserts his versatility by leading in rebounds per game with 7.3, showcasing his ability to impact various facets of the game. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar follows closely with 6.7 rebounds per game, reflecting his enduring presence in the paint. Michael Jordan, though not typically recognized for his rebounding, still manages to secure 6.1 rebounds per game.
Assists Per Game (APG)
1. LeBron James – 8.1 APG (3 Points)
2. Michael Jordan – 3.8 APG (2 Points)
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 2.6 APG (1 Point)
LeBron James further solidifies his status as a complete player, topping the charts in assists per game with an impressive 8.1, demonstrating his exceptional court vision and playmaking abilities. Michael Jordan, known for his scoring prowess, trails behind with 3.8 assists per game, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar contributes 2.6 assists per game.
Steals Per Game (SPG)
1. Michael Jordan – 1.5 SPG (3 Points)
2. LeBron James – 1.2 SPG (2 Points)
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 0.6 SPG (1 Point)
Michael Jordan reaffirms his defensive prowess by leading in steals per game with 1.5, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. LeBron James follows closely with 1.2 steals per game, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar demonstrates his defensive acumen with 0.6 steals per game.
Blocks Per Game (BPG)
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 1.2 BPG (3 Points)
2. LeBron James – 0.6 BPG (2 Points)
3. Michael Jordan – 0.5 BPG (1 Point)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, renowned for his shot-blocking ability, leads in blocks per game with 1.2, showcasing his defensive presence in the paint. LeBron James follows with 0.6 blocks per game, while Michael Jordan rounds out the category with 0.5 blocks per game.
Shooting Percentages
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 56.4 FG% (3 Points)
2. LeBron James – 53.0 FG% (2 Points)
3. Michael Jordan – 44.5 FG% (1 Point)
In terms of shooting efficiency, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reigns supreme with an impressive 56.4% field goal percentage, reflecting his proficiency in scoring efficiently. LeBron James follows closely with 53.0%, showcasing his ability to convert scoring opportunities at a high rate. Michael Jordan, while formidable, trails behind with a 44.5% field goal percentage.
Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
1. LeBron James – 23.4 PER (3 Points)
2. Michael Jordan – 19.3 PER (2 Points)
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 17.9 PER (1 Point)
LeBron James continues to assert his dominance with a player efficiency rating (PER) of 23.4, showcasing his overall impact on the game. Michael Jordan follows with a PER of 19.3, reflecting his enduring effectiveness even at 39 years old. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rounds out the category with a PER of 17.9.
Winning Record
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 65-17 (3 Points)
2. LeBron James – 41-32* (2 Points)
3. Michael Jordan – 37-45 (1 Point)
* Season not over yet
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar boasts an impressive winning record of 65-17, underscoring his ability to lead his team to victory even at an advanced age. LeBron James, with a record of 41-32*, demonstrates his resilience and ability to compete at a high level. Michael Jordan, with a record of 37-45, showcases his competitive spirit despite facing challenges on the court.
Accolades
T1. Michael Jordan – All-Star (3 Points)
T1. LeBron James – All-Star (3 Points)
T1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – All-Star (3 Points)
In terms of accolades, all three players—Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—earned All-Star selections, further solidifying their status as basketball icons. Despite their age, they continue to garner recognition for their exceptional talents and contributions to the sport.
Winner
1. LeBron James – 21 Points (5 Categories Won)
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 18 Points (4 Categories Won)
3. Michael Jordan – 16 Points (2 Categories Won)
Throughout the 2023-24 season, LeBron James showcased an unparalleled blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, solidifying his status as one of the greatest to ever grace the hardwood. Averaging an impressive 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, LeBron proved his versatility and ability to impact every facet of the game. His defensive contributions, with 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, further underscored his well-rounded skill set.
In totality, LeBron James accumulated a staggering 21 points in our comparison, emerging as the definitive winner. His unmatched skill set, leadership, and enduring excellence at 39 years old solidify his legacy as a titan of the game, leaving an indelible mark on basketball history that will resonate for generations to come.
While Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar showcased remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport, LeBron’s unparalleled versatility, impact, and accolades set him apart as the ultimate victor in this comparison. As we reflect on their legacies, it becomes abundantly clear that LeBron James stands at the pinnacle of basketball greatness, etching his name alongside the sport’s most iconic figures.
