Just for the record Lebron is shooting 42% from the 3pt line. Only time MJ did that is when the line was closer (94-97). Lebron also has a slightly better career 3pt % than MJ. I'm just saying, seriously, lack of outside shooting was one of the things keeping me from saying Lebron was better than MJ, but he has effectively erased that in my mind.

On defense, Lebron can guard more positions without the advantage of hand checking (as most like to point out) Maybe I'm crazy but as a coach I'd take Lebron's defense over MJ's.

Lebron's a monster if he keeps this up, seriously!

[QUOTE="No_Hablo_Ingles"]

Coming up big when needed? Like Jordan did against the Celtics? Or like he did against the Pistons?

I'm all for a healthy debate, but lets not pretend every shot Jordan shot was a game winner and he never failed in his career. This is what I have against comparing an entire career (Jordan) to about half of another (LeBron).

Revisionary history- We bring up LeBron's failings early in his career/Forget Jordan's.

The biggest issue I have with this discussion, is people act as if no one can EVER be better than Jordan. I literally read on message boards and hear on ESPN how it's blasphemy to say Jordan isn't the greatest/would lose/whatever. So if LeBron wins 8 more rings, people will switch from 'Jordan has more rings' to 'Jordan never lost in the finals, LeBron lost twice'

That's just stupid...

You stated some of the same problems I have with MJ vs whomever.

You can't compare careers until both are over. Right now MJ>>Bron FACT. When it's all said and done, we'll see if Lebron can accomplish what MJ did in his career.

36Ounces

I don't think Lebron will accomplish what MJ did and agree that we do have to wait until Lebron's career is over to be sure and fair. But even if Lebron doesn't equal or best MJ's accomplishments, to me it doesn't mean that Lebron is a lesser talent (not that you were saying that). It's a team sport and lots of things go into winning rings beside one players talent.

But I think we can compare, to a certain extent, "prime" talent. Not even sure if Lebron is in his full prime yet, but all things considered, I think Lebron, now, is a better basketball player than MJ was in his prime.

Even though I started this latest Lebron vs Jordan talk (and knew where it would go), overall I agree with the above. I'd even go as far to say that careers should not be compared period, retired or not. Especially over different era's.

I was just wondering as Lebron plays better and better how anyone thought his skill level compared to who most consider the standard bearer, MJ.

I'll just say Lebron is playing GREAT, GREAT, GREAT basketball, as good if not better than anybody I've ever seen. (And most of you know that I'm a big Kobe suck up and defender!).

I was impressed with Jordans skill level and his accomplishments. I do think he gets too much credit and have posted reasons why in the past so I'll leave that alone (it is just my opinion but not unsupported).

In Lebron I see a player that can play at least 4 positions on offense, defend 4 positions on defense, is a great assist man and play-maker, is as atheletic as they come, has size, quickness and ball handling, has improved his outside shooting to the point where you can't leave him alone on 3pt'ers, has added post up moves, rebounds well......etc

Whether Lebron will accomplish all that Jordan did is a different debate to me, but I don't think it's laughable to say Lebron is a more complete player than MJ was.

[QUOTE="No_Hablo_Ingles"][QUOTE="mont13"]

Lebron is playing GREAT.

Is Lebron a better player than jordan in his prime?

-Halftime-

I saw Jordan's full career.

Lebron is playing GREAT.

Is Lebron a better player than jordan in his prime?

Harden is remarkable. 35 points off 16 shoots! We are finally going to beat Portland.No_Hablo_Ingles

And 11 assists, nice game.

The Lakers ...........never mind :roll:

And the Lakers drama continues. Dwight sounds like he wants to choke the life out of Kobe for basically saying Dwight needs to suck it up and play through his injury. Kinda glad to see Howard so serious and not so "smiley".

Stephen A. Smith response:

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/8924249/kobe-bryant-challenges-dwight-howard-return-shoulder-injury-play-pain.