LeBron James has further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest in NBA history, earning a spot in the GOAT debate. Following his impressive performance, Michael Jordan stepped forward to praise LeBron’s remarkable impact on the game.

© Photo by Jason Miller/Getty ImagesMichael Jordan and LeBron James hug after the presentation of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Before Michael Jordan’s rise in the NBA, there was no discussion about a possible league’s greatest player of all time. His dominance and global impact sparked the GOAT debate, placing him at the center of the conversation.

However, LeBron James has since earned his place in that discussion thanks to his longevity, consistency, and ability to dominate across eras. Even Jordan himself has acknowledged LeBron’s greatness, offering praise for the Lakers star’s remarkable career.

Former NBA player Jayson Williams offered valuable insight into Michael Jordan’s thoughts on LeBron James. In a conversation with Scoop B, Williams revealed that Jordan believes LeBron could have thrived in any era of basketball. The remark speaks volumes about the Lakers star’s impact on the game.

 His remarkable longevity stands as a testament to his elite work ethic, something few players in NBA history have been able to match.

Still, it is fair to say there might not be a LeBron James without Michael Jordan. While many argue that the student has surpassed the teacher, especially since LeBron is now the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. However, the debate remains far from settled.

LeBron James’ performance in the NBA

Since making his NBA debut during the 2004-05 season, LeBron James has appeared in 1,555 games, posting career averages of 27 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, numbers that speak volumes about his all-around brilliance.

Over the course of his legendary career, James has captured four NBA championships, earned four NBA Finals MVPs, and secured four league MVP awards, solidifying his place among the greatest to ever play the game.

LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat hugs Michael Jordan after defeating the Charlotte Bobcats 109-98 in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 28, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What sets LeBron apart is his ability to elevate every franchise he joins. Whether it was leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever title, forming a dynasty with the Miami Heat, or delivering a championship to the Los Angeles Lakers, his presence has reshaped the trajectory of every team he has played for.

James does not just dominate as a scorer. His impact stretches across every facet of the game, including defense, playmaking, and leadership on and off the court.

Michael Jordan’s performance in the NBA

LeBron James has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the NBA, but Michael Jordan continues to set the gold standard in the greatest-of-all-time conversation, both statistically and in legacy. Jordan averaged an astounding 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game during his career, accomplishing all of that in just 1,072 games, 483 fewer than LeBron.

Despite playing significantly fewer games, Jordan still captured six NBA championships, two more than LeBron has to date. He also took home five NBA MVP awards and earned Finals MVP honors six times, underscoring his dominance when it mattered most.

Unlike LeBron, who has played for multiple franchises, Jordan achieved the bulk of his legendary résumé with a single team, the Chicago Bulls.

He played in Chicago until 1997-98 season, when he initially retired from the game. After a three-year break, he made a comeback at 38 years-old with the Washington Wizards, where he still showed flashes of greatness.

In his first season back, he averaged 22.9 points per game, followed by a 20-point average in his final year, remarkable numbers for a player in his late 30s returning from retirement.