The debate of who is greater between Michael Jordan and LeBron James is one that will never find an objective resolution. Even though Jordan has an established set of accomplishments that LeBron is yet to match, many people cite his longevity and incredible Finals streak as things that have objectively made him surpass MJ already.
This is a debate that will rage on long after LeBron has also retired, until the day they have to compare the next star in the league to the legacies of both LeBron and Jordan.
Magic Johnson has probably the best take on the GOAT debate, acknowledging that LeBron’s skill-set makes him the greatest all-around athlete to ever play the game but maintaining that MJ is the GOAT. Johnson did say that LeBron’s career isn’t over yet, so he could make moves towards equalling MJ in rings.
“Let’s not take anything away from LeBron James because LeBron James is a great basketball player, one of the all-time best players to ever play the game. LeBron James, when you think about an all-around basketball player, he is the best of all time. As an all-around basketball player. But when you say, ‘who’s the greatest ever?’, it’s still Michael Jordan.”
“LeBron James’s chapter isn’t closed yet, he still has some basketball to play. Maybe, he has a chance to catch him later on if he can get some more championships under his belt. But until then, at the end of the day, they’re both great and play the game the right way, made their teammates better, and won championships.”
Seeing the state of LeBron’s career heading into Year 20, it seems very tough to say that he will win 2 more championships and equal MJ’s 6 rings. The Lakers missed the postseason in 2021-22 and will have to make some major changes to the roster to give LeBron a chance to compete for a title in 2022-23.
If the Lakers can pull off a miracle and give LeBron the pieces he needs to win a championship, it will be very interesting to see if he can actually push towards winning another championship or 2. He has proven his ability is still there with his performances last season. If a healthy AD and he can combine to find some of that 2020 magic, LBJ may make a genuine push towards MJ’s 6 championships.
