Why LeBron will never replace Michael Jordan as the G.O.A.T.

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Generating wins and improving the probability of getting championships seem to be the new mantra of many NBA managers.  This is often the argument they offer when another round of the LeBron-Michael greatest-of-all-time debate comes up.  In many ways, this kind of reasoning favors LeBron.  But it is, ultimately, flawed.

Crunching the numbers is one thing; gauging the overall impact a player has had on the game is another.  Jordan came into the league and single-handedly changed the way pro basketball is played.  He entered the NBA at a time when physicality had been more tolerated and had to contend with in-your-face defense throughout his career, with some of the most rugged players in history.  The list includes a younger Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, and the rest of the Pistons. 

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He also arrived when Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were still in their prime.  Not to mention played in the presence of big-man superstars like Olajuwon, Barkley, and Ewing, and Malone.  Moreover, even if we do look at the statistics, Jordan will still trump James’ accolades.  Jordan led the Bulls to six championship titles, twice a three-peat, and never lost in the NBA’s biggest stage.  MJ was likewise always the best player, getting Finals MVP honors in all of them.

LeBron has had a total of three championships, losing five in his nine tries so far.  And James has already gone to three teams in his quest to win more, winning twice during his stint with Miami and one recently in his hometown Cleveland.  Now he hopes to gain more as he begins his career-twilight run with the Lakers.  Jordan never needed to leave Chicago to get his wins.  He trusted his teammates and worked with them, not looking for super teams to get it done.  This fact alone trumps any advanced metrics LeBron supporters can offer.

Richard Ohlhaber grew up in Chicago but has been living in the DFW Metroplex since1998. Though now based in Texas, he is a true Chicago sports fan, cheering for the Bulls and the Bears. More on Richard and his interests here.