[USA Today] Michael Jordan: "I could have beaten LeBron one-on-one."

This. Jordan isn't going to let LeBron just go to the hole all day and LeBron's post up game is far from great. If LeBron's jump shot isn't on he probably couldn't win.

 

I actually could see this legitimately going either way. The fact that Lebron has ~35-40 pounds on Jordan plays a much larger factor than people are willing to admit honestly.

 

you are blind.

he had a huge gambling addiction, he always brought his teammates under the bus, there is a lot of quotes to prove that.
he cheated on his wife, and divorced to get a younger wife.
you didnt hear his HOF speech? was so egocentric boasting.
and he sucks as NBA general manager, everyone know this.

he is great as a player, but he wasnt a role model as a person

 

Gambling?

 

Jordan dominates a trash-talking Mayo in high school: ‘Better scream for mama’

 

Peak vs peak, lebron is much bigger and stronger: 50-60 lbs. heavier, and 2 in. taller. Lebron's got at least a 40" vertical, and his 40 speed is probably the same as jordan's.

In other words, lebron is just as fast, leaps just as high, but is much bigger and stronger than jordan.

In a team context, jordan is clearly better. In one on one, the bigger, stronger athlete wins. It'd be a bit like jon bones jones vs. cain velasquez, with cain crushing jon jones.

 

There was hand checking in Jordan's era.
Plus the big man was alive and well.

I think you could substitute prime Jordan into today's game - he'd average even better numbers than LeBron is posting.

 

Jalen Rose believes MJ will play one game this year

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Q7HOkr7kx9o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

That's not true. LeBron's post game hasn't reached the point where he can flat out dominate with his back to the basket which is what would be the best way for him to use his strength to his advantage. Roy Jones beat a bigger and stronger John Ruiz because he out boxed him and Jordan would be smart enough not to let LeBron just bully him and take him to the basket all game.

 

The video in this link. I think MJ was 43 when he was doing this to OJ Mayo who was only in HS.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/goInA2sgWNs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

In a one on game it very hard to stop someone 40 pound heaver than you. They can just push you ever. No one calls fouls in pickup games.

 

You don't have to be an elite post player like Hakeem or McHale to dominate a much smaller player in the post.

LeBron is not an elite post player. But it's not like he's a stiff either. I don't know what Jordan could do when LeBron just backed him in and powered over him... especially if they let him use his "crab dribble" and not call traveling on him.

 

I would think it's up to the fans to debate who the greatest might be (In any profession). When a player starts spewing "I'm the greatest of all time", in my opinion, it comes across wrong.

That's why I love Hakeem. He understands what the word "humble" means.

 

Of course, Jordan can't lose against anyone but another Jordan clone. Kobe really copied every facet of Jordan, starting with his incommensurable ego.

 

Jordan was loads quicker than Lebron and just as strong a finisher (arguably better with those giant hands).

Lebron's jerky shot makes me think he would have problems hitting it off the dribble with Jordan in his face. Of course, Lebron is heavier and that goes a long way but I'm not sure he could easily back Mike in with MJ's activity as a post defender. Remember, Jordan is arguably the best wing defender the game has ever seen.

I have Jordan winning 7 out of 10 times with him getting stronger as the competition continued.

 

1. what evidence do you have demonstrating that jordan was "loads" quicker? What is a "load" equivalent to? lbj claims a 40 time of 4.6; dean smith claims jordan ran a 4.3; however, smith also claims jordan had a 48" vertical. It's quite obvious that both stats are fabricated/exaggerated.

2. lbj has huge hands also: 9.33" vs. 9.75" for jordan.

Try playing a player 50 or 60 lbs heavier than you one on one. You're not going to be able to do anything against him when he wants to back down in the post. This is just common sense. Michael Jordan was great defending 200-220 lb. 1's, 2's and 3's. lbj is 265 lbs, at least 50 lbs heavier than jordan, who was between 205-215 in his early 30's.

If they were both 215, perhaps. But since lbj is 50 lbs heavier than a prime jordan, probably not.

 

Its a douche comment...but its Jordan so comeon ...GOAT.