Michael Jordan and LeBron James’ GOAT debate has gone on and on and on like your favorite music single on repeat.
MJ has six NBA Championships and LeBron has four.
Million dollar question: What makes them similar?
“I think it’s the dedication and the hard work,” says Los Angeles Clippers head coach, Ty Lue to Scoop B Radio.
Lue has had the distinction of being teammates with MJ in Washington, winning two NBA Championships as a Laker with Bryant and guiding James and the Cavaliers to an NBA Finals win in 2016 against the Golden State Warriors.
At 39 years old, LeBron James just completed his 21st season averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists in 73 games this season for the purple and gold.
While James is still competing, MJ’s legacy is solidified.
Playing 15 NBA seasons, Jordan has five MVPs to LeBron’s four, six Finals MVPs to LeBron’s four, six championships to LeBron’s four, nine All-Defensive Teams to LeBron’s six, and one Defensive Player of the Year to LeBron’s zero.
Worth noting: LeBron has more All-Star Game appearances and All-NBA Teams because he played for six more years in a less physical era.
For many, Jordan’s impact on basketball, from a global marketing standpoint, is unparalleled. Couple that distinction, including the Air Jordan sneaker brand and many value that as MJ being goated in the GOAT conversation.
Be that as it may, Ty Lue respects LeBron’s work ethic
“I think every single day LeBron was the first person in the gym and was the last person to leave, putting his work in,” said Lue.
“I saw it for four years in Cleveland — when we land or we get in around 2 o’clock in the morning, he’s still up at 6:30 in the morning doing his activation and all that stuff; just the work that he puts into his body and every single day the hard work on the court. There are very similar comparisons.”
Kobe Bryant’s work ethic has also been well documented and admired.
Stephon Marbury punctuated that recently telling Scoop B Radio that MJ is the standard and then folks are willing to take their pick after that.
“It should be Kobe, then LeBron, and then you can pick guys after that,” he said.
“There’s just no comparison, man. It’s not the same. It’s just different worlds. Different mentalities. I don’t know why Jordan’s name is mentioned in the same conversation sometimes. I’ll clear that up real quick… there’s really no need to talk about that.”
Ty Lue says Bryant’s attention to detail was admirable and comparable to LeBron and MJ. “The same thing,” he said.
“Having that same killer instinct and preparation and the hard work he put in to get to where they were at as players. When you’re THAT elite and THAT great, it all starts with your hard work and dedication.”
