When it comes to sports debates, it’s rare to get universal consensus. Sports are emotional and subjective, and fans like different things when it comes to how certain players play the sport. That’s why the debate about who the best player in basketball history is, has been contentious and controversial, while also being impossible.
But for most fans, it comes down to two players: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. MJ’s career was legendary, and his off-court brand was and remains iconic. He sparked a global basketball revolution, all while winning six rings and being named NBA Finals MVP all six times. James, meanwhile, continues to break every record imaginable and looks capable of playing for several more years.
LeBron James laughs at himself as he recreates some of his most famous memes in his 40th birthday
Their play styles are different, but Jordan backers tend to fall back on one specific argument: James wouldn’t be able to dominate in Jordan’s era, where defenses were harder to play against and much more physical. While fans debate if James would have survived in that era, Jordan has already dispelled that theory.
Michael Jordan’s four players who could play in his era of basketball
MJ was interviewed back in 2013 by ESPN’s Wright Thompson, and there were four main players Jordan could think of that would be able to hold their own and perform at a top level in his era.
- LeBron James
- Kobe Bryant
- Tim Duncan
- Dirk Nowitzki
James was 10 years into his NBA career when Jordan put his name on that esteemed list, and LeBron has only gotten better since then. James’ overall game and play style transcends eras, in addition to his strength and muscular build.
While many put Kobe on the level of Jordan and James, the main debate will continue to rage on, with MJ and LeBron at the forefront.
