Michael Jordan Vs Lebroon Essay

Basketball’s Greatest

LeBron James v. Michael Jordan

By Joel Iacoban LeBron James. Michael Jordan. Two names that you know. Two players that have solidified their status as the greatest ever to play the game of basketball. Their influence and game spread beyond the basketball court, polarizing any discussion about them. You could ask someone who’s the greatest basketball player, and they would say, “Jordan, no doubt.” Then, you could ask another person the same question, and they’d say, “obviously LeBron.” They’ve often placed as 1A and 1B in NBA (National Basketball Association) player rankings, since choosing one over the other is considered impossible. Except, that choice is not impossible. It boils down to the definition of greatness and

Yet, in the key aspects of the game - assists and rebounds - LeBron excels. Considering that rebounds and assists are the two most important team-oriented statistics, it is a testament to LeBron’s ability to lead and influence his teams. On that note, it’s important to realize that solely matching a player in stats does not evince greatness. Rather, it’s the realization that LeBron matches, and in some areas, is ahead of the player many consider the greatest player of all time while playing nearly 400 more games than him. Considering that in one’s field of expertise it’s increasingly difficult to maintain a high level production for an extended period of time, a 38 year old LeBron’s capability to output all-star level play after twenty years in the NBA is uncanny. He has never fallen short of peak athleticism, and continues to dominate at a point where most players would already be retired for a few years. Additionally, in a 2019 Twitter poll conducted by Darren Rovell, a former sports analyst for ESPN, of ~40,000 votes, 65% (~26,000 votes) said Michael Jordan was the greatest NBA player. While many consider Jordan the greatest, the statistics express that LeBron is right there with him and even a few steps ahead. Yet, statistics are not the only puzzle piece to greatness; there also is the capability to elevate and lead your teammates to new levels of

While it is an open-ended idea of greatness and truthfully does not impact the realm of the NBA, it has an impact outside of the NBA and factors in to a player’s overall greatness. As put by Medium, in an article written in 2019 discussing the idea of greatness, “greatness is not defined by society” it is defined by you.“True greatness is shown through one’s words and actions, [and] the way in which you impact the lives of others.” LeBron and Jordan have impacted the lives of many. LeBron has used his platform - notably Twitter - to advocate for social justice. He consistently dabbles in the political discussions of society and expresses concern on the issues of racism and police brutality. He also has influenced many in the basketball world, advocating for players to use their positions as a platform to impact the world they partake in. LeBron also does community work in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, establishing the I Promise school for at-risk children grades one through eight. James states on the school’s website that it is his “greatest achievement” in life, expressing his humble character and gratitude towards his philanthropic efforts. Comparably, Jordan has made many charitable efforts, such as donating millions of dollars to charities like Feeding America and Make-a-Wish. He also has had an iconic influence on the world as a whole. His Nike Air Jordan shoe line is the most iconic shoe produced. Plus, I’m