You do understand that it possible to have a nuanced opinion that both Michael Jordan and LeBron James have a legitimate claim on being the greatest NBA player of all time and that it is possible to marginally prefer one of the two without feeling the need to denigrate the other?
Right now, Jordan is ahead:
Championships: 6 > 3
Finals MVPs: 6 > 3
NBA MVPs: 5 > 4
Defense MVPs: 1 > 0
NBA first team: 10 < 12
Defense first team: 9 > 5
Note that's mostly individual awards. Using team awards is imperfect, but it's silly to discard them entirely – and I think Lebron hopping around teams specifically to hunt titles makes up the imperfection. Honestly, I even think we should half-count Jordan's NCAA title to make it 6.5 championships (obviously not the same as an NBA championship for many reasons, but it shouldn't be 100% thrown away). I would also say the intangibles favor Jordan, mostly because of guys like Hood and Hill joining Lebron's team and turning to crap, but that obviously is subjective.
But, Lebron's career is not over yet. I think he can still be in contention for GOAT depending on the next few years... but if he never adds another title or MVP, then Jordan is ahead.
I dunno, the above isn't unfair but I do think it's gilding the lily a little to count championships and finals mvp's separately. Lebron was the best player on the floor in each of the last four finals, but only won one MVP because his teams lost. Seems like dinging him twice for the same thing. The only years Lebron was in the Finals and wasn't the best player IMO were 2007 (Duncan), and 2011 (the aforementioned dud).
NBA MVP's - I mean, I feel like either MJ or Lebron could have won it every year. They're probably both underserved in that category. Wouldn't suprise me if Lebron wins 1-2 more, though.
Lebron's not going to catch MJ for defensive awards. Jordan was the better defensive player.
I tend to agree that Jordan had better intangibles. I think he had a more indomitable will than Lebron - I just think Lebron's tougher than his detractors give him credit for being. There's a gap between them but it's not as large as some would have us believe.
Overall, obviously they're both all-world players. I try not to rate guys I didn't see, so I can't speak to Russell or Wilt, but MJ and Lebron are the two best players I've ever seen.
My dream scenario for FA this off-season: LeBron, Kawhi and PG13 all on the Lakers with Hart, Ingram and this year's rookie (Who I think should be Mitchell Robinson). Fill out the rest with lower salary guys and I think that team would wreck the Warriors.
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/2...ba-free-agency
"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge" -Stephen Hawking
It's definitely enough to break a hand for some players...
Cavs wanted to trade for Shumpert (and Knicks were going to throw in JR). When they asked James, he responded, "Shumpert? I really want JR!" or something like that.
JR Smith is a talented basketball player. Really good shot (although the streakiest shooter in the NBA), really good defense, high level of athleticism...however, he isn't okay between the ears.
Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. - Winston Churchill
President of the "Nolan Smith Should Have His Jersey in The Rafters" Club
Lebron and Beyonce?