Lebron compared to wrong MJ?

[Ridders]

During this 08-09 season, I’ve watched Lebron play more than I have any other season. While I’m definitely pro-Kobe, I love watching James due to his multi-faceted approach to the game. You always hear the trio of Jordan, Kobe and James banded together, with the underlying question always, “Who is the best?” and “Who will be the GOAT of all time?”. Recently I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s wrong to put James into the same category as Kobe and Jordan. Let me explain before you post your disagreement.

IMO Kobe is as close a clone as you can get to Jordan, although not as physically gifted. They are incredible shooters who’s arsenal of shot-making is unsurpassed. Imo this is the one area where Lebron falls behind these two greats, although he has plenty of time to rectify it. Both demand 100% from their team-mates and vent their frustration when they don't get it. Both Kobe and Jordan are also both great one-on-one defenders as well as both possessing amazing will-power and work ethic. This isn’t a Kobe > MJ rant, as that question can never be truly answered until Kobe retires. I’m merely pointing out the similarities in their games.

The more I hear Lebron being bandied into the same category of Jordan and Kobe, the more I think that its an un-fair portrayal of his game. Recently it has become evident to me that Lebron’s style of play should be compared to that of none other than Magic Johnson. Why you may ask.

• Both players are guys who unequivocally make their team-mates much better, something that can’t as easily be said for either Kobe or Jordan.
• Kobe and Jordan can both be classed as “score-first” guys. Magic is the definition of “pass first”. Imo Lebron is something of a hybrid, theres no doubt he’s a great scorer, but he is always looking to get his team-mates involved as well.
• Both are highly versatile who can play anywhere from 1 to 5, another thing that can’t be said for either Kobe or Jordan
• Both Magic and Lebron have vision and passing accuracy that is superior to their contemporaries Jordan and Kobe respectively.
• Both are triple double machines, same can't be said about either Kobe or Jordan.

To all you Bron Bron lovers out there, don't take this as a hit on your chosen one. I consider Magic Johnson's greatness to be equal to that of Jordan's, so its not a rip on the guys talents.

 

[Tiger Hawk]

Honestly, when all is said and done, I truly believe it wouldn't be fair to compare LeBron to anyone. Not to say he'll stand atop all, but that we've just simply never seen anyone like him. I'm far too young to have seen the Big O play, but looking back through history and the numbers he put up, he seems like the only guy comparable, stat-wise. Whilst LeBron is not the shooter Jordan or Kobe were/is, he's also got plenty of time to improve in that area. And let's face it, if his jump shot ever starts falling consistently, everybody else should just give up. Let's also not forget, Kobe has 7 years on LeBron, both age and experience-wise. LeBron is putting up numbers that Kobe could have only dreamt about when he was 24, let alone 23, 22, etc etc.

Also, you're wrong about the Jordan versus Kobe argument not being able to be answered. Jordan is hands down the BEST player of all time. Kobe isn't close. Damn Lakers fans.

 

[Noa]

The only player Ive seen or read about that resembles LeBron is a prime Grant Hill.

Except LBJ is bigger, faster, stronger and more athletic. Lets say Karl Malone meets Grant Hill.

 

[McLovin]

Wade is more of an MJ clone that Kobe imo...especially if you compare MJ's early years to Wades...

 

[Ridders]

Kobe has 7 years on LeBron, both age and experience-wise. LeBron is putting up numbers that Kobe could have only dreamt about when he was 24, let alone 23, 22, etc etc.

Lebron could only dream of having three rings by the age of 24 :lol:. But yeh, I know where you're coming from.

Also, you're wrong about the Jordan versus Kobe argument not being able to be answered. Jordan is hands down the BEST player of all time. Kobe isn't close. Damn Lakers fans.

I don't see how you can confirm that thus far. Kobe still has 5-6 good years ahead of him. While I agree his career stats and accomplishments will never equal Jordan's, if he can win another 2-3 rings before he's done, it would add a hell of a lot to his legacy and would certainly close the gap between the two. But hell, I didn't create this thread to be a Kobe vs Jordan thread, so i'll stop there.

Plus I don’t see how can say that Jordan was definitively better than Magic. I’ve watched some old tapes of him, he was absolutely sweet to watch.

Whilst LeBron is not the shooter Jordan or Kobe were/is, he's also got plenty of time to improve in that area.

I agree that he has plenty of time to improve, as I said in my post.

I truly believe that if Lebron can team up with another quality player like Bosh in the future, that he could have a genuine chance of averaging a trip double for an entire season, just like Oscar.

 

[Tiger Hawk]

Lebron could only dream of having three rings by the age of 24 :lol:. But yeh, I know where you're coming from.

I think you're forgetting the 7'2", 320 pound unstoppable (at the time) force that made life a hell of a lot easier for every guy he's every played with.

Magic was great but he always had Kareem. Kobe had Shaq. The Celtics were built around their front-line of Bird, McHale & Parish. Point is, MJ had no big man. When Kobe wins it all without a big man, then he can be compared to MJ.

Anyway, back on topic, I will agree that right now, Kobe shades LeBron offensively. He's a more natural scorer able to get his points in a wider variety of ways. I just think that, when all is said and done, LeBron will be in his own unique category.

 

[hellteam]

I think you're forgetting the 7'2", 320 pound unstoppable (at the time) force that made life a hell of a lot easier for every guy he's every played with.

Magic was great but he always had Kareem. Kobe had Shaq. The Celtics were built around their front-line of Bird, McHale & Parish. Point is, MJ had no big man. When Kobe wins it all without a big man, then he can be compared to MJ.

Anyway, back on topic, I will agree that right now, Kobe shades LeBron offensively. He's a more natural scorer able to get his points in a wider variety of ways. I just think that, when all is said and done, LeBron will be in his own unique category.

Yeahhh he did, Luc Longley :sarcasm:

 

[Mr Saab]

Yeahhh he did, Luc Longley :sarcasm:

Bill Cartwright
Brian Willams
Bill Wennington

All future HOFers ;-)

 

[Stranger]

Lebron could only dream of having three rings by the age of 24 :lol:. But yeh, I know where you're coming from.

If Mo Williams and LeBron stay together there will be rings down the track thats for sure.

 

[McLovin]

Shaq >>> Cleveland....

Book it....

 

[Ridders]

Shaq >>> Cleveland....

Book it....

That would be epic, Cleveland would have to be the favourites for at least the next two years if that were to transpire.