There’s no question that ever since LeBron James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, he has taken the League by storm and has arguably become one of the greatest basketball players of all time; but is he greater than the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T) of the basketball world, Michael Jordan? 

One of the main comparisons made by Jordan fans are the amount of championship rings won, and both athletes’ finals records. As of now, Jordans Finals record is 6-0 which is a better record than LeBron’s negative 4-6 finals record. Brad Botkin, a writer from CBSsports, justifies LeBron’s negative record. 

“I don’t think Jordan ever faced a team as great as the Warriors‘ dynasty,” Botkin said, “or even as good as the two Spurs teams LeBron faced while in Miami.”

On the contrary, LeBron fans like to compare the superstars’ statistics to Jordans. Junior John Fraher has been a Lakers fan his whole life and truly believes that LeBron is the G.O.A.T, especially after his recent championship win with the Los Angeles Lakers. 

“[LeBron is] better in every category of basketball except scoring,” Fraher said, “He’s ahead of Jordan in every stat category.” 

This is true, Jordan is a better scorer than LeBron James, and Jordans ability to score the ball is what sets him apart from other players. One thing people like to discredit from Jordan is his defensive ability. Michael Jordan is a one-time defensive player of the year, and has been on the All-NBA-Defensive First team nine times. Alabama’s legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, once said “defense wins championships” and Jordans defense is far superior than LeBrons

One key factor in the G.O.A.T debate is recency bias. With LeBron James playing right now there’s no debate that he’s the best player in the league, which creates the illusion to some, that he is the greatest player ever. 

Writer Jordan Leung from WLOSsports, believes that recency bias is something everyone should think about when comparing LeBron to Jordan. 

“Right now we are fortunate enough to have so many people that will be able to remember the entirety of both Jordan and LeBron’s careers,” Leung said, “LeBron James is on TV today. He constantly gets to wow us whenever the Heat play, and keeps building his case to become the greatest of all time.” 

The G.O.A.T debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James could, and probably will go on forever. You can compare statistics or championships. LeBron James is 35 years old and does not seem to be slowing down, which means he could end his career as the undisputed G.O.A.T. of the basketball world. Nevertheless, there is no viable metric to measure greatness.