why lebron james is better than michael jordan

Aisha Sheppard

May 27, 2020

The greatness of Michael Jordan and Lebron James is sometimes overshadowed by the comparison between the two. Despite their own individual success, their accomplishments will always be tied to the other's.

When people compare two greats, it’s because they see similarities between them. After watching both Jordan and James during their respective eras, it's obvious that both were dominant in every aspect of the game.

As a true die-hard fan of basketball, the argument I most commonly hear is, “Michael Jordan is better than James because he won six rings.” There are two reasons why I consider this a lazy argument.

First, James currently has three championships, and is not done playing yet, nor will he be for a while. Second, with the way the game has changed, championships shouldn't define your entire career.

There are so many basketball players who are considered great that never won any championships: Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Elgin Baylor, Allen Iverson, Dominique Wilkins, George Gervin, Steve Nash, Reggie Miller, and John Stockton. Winning is not everything, especially in this game.

After watching the documentary “The Last Dance,” it immediately confirmed all of my previous thoughts about why I will always choose LeBron James over Michael Jordan.

The biggest difference between the two greats is their mentality.

LeBron's mentality elevates him above Jordan because he improved his teammates around him. Jordan didn’t have that impact.

The documentary showed how heartbroken his teammates were because of how they were treated. Michael Jordan was going to get what he wanted, when he wanted it, no matter who was in his way, including his own teammates.

An African proverb that I often see says, “if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go, far go together.”

In my opinion, LeBron James is the greatest player of all time because of what he is capable of doing outside of his career - how he takes care of his home life, teammates and handles his business off the court. He never burned a bridge that cost him a teammate, family member or anyone of significant importance in his life.

Instead of comparing statistical information, compare their work within the community.

Michael Jordan’s philanthropic activities consist of donating money toward medical relief efforts, children’s programs and 9/11 related charities.

James’ philanthropic activities consist of taking care of his family by sacrificing everything to ensure that others are taken care of.

For example, most people don't know that James went to the Lakers in part to help his sons. He secured places for both Bryce and Lebron Jr. at Sierra Canyon High School, a high school basketball superpower.

James has also done so much for the NBA and his immediate community.

First, he supports a foundation called the “After-School All-Stars” for the children in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. This organization helps children get involved with extracurricular activities. He has donated over $40 million dollars that has supported over 800 children and first batch of graduates who will be finishing in 2021.

He also supports other legends like Muhammad Ali. In 2016, James donated 2.5 million dollars to the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Muhammad Ali display – “A Force for Change” – in support of those who laid the foundation for athletes like himself.

After James chose to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and go to Miami to play for the Heat, he donated the proceeds from the controversial decision to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. This donation included 2.5 million dollars, 1,000 new computers and classroom renovations.

James also supports an organization called ONEXONE, which helps at-risk children by helping them find ways to eliminate issues within hunger, health, education, water, and physical activity.

Finally, James opened the “I Promise School” on July 30^th, 2018 in a partnership with Akron’s public-school system. This school focuses on teaching at-risk youth about science, technology, engineering and math in new innovative hands-on ways.

James announced that all 193 juniors who attend the school will be afforded the opportunity to attend Kent State tuition-free after they graduate.

James also takes care of others outside of his community, including his teammates.

During the 2018 NBA playoffs, James bought all of his teammates two different Thom Browne suits to wear during their series against the Indiana Pacers. James also helped land Coach David Fizdale, an assistant with the Miami Heat, a spot in a Samsung Galaxy commercial as a wedding present.

Although off-the-court contributions are important, what everyone wants to talk about is statistics.

During Jordan’s NBA career, he played with two teams - the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. During his time in the league, he appeared in 1,072 games, averaging 30.1 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game and 5.3 assists per game. A Hall of Famer and a ten-time scoring champion, Jordan is a five-time league Most Valuable Player, nine-time all-defensive team selection, 14 time all-star, six-time NBA champion and six-time finals Most Valuable Player.

James’ career stats consist of 1,258 games played, 27.1 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game and 7.4 assists per game. He has played for three teams in the NBA – the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, his current team. A three-time NBA Champion and the scoring champion in 2008, James is a 16-time NBA All-Star, a six-time all-defensive team selection and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player.

These are just a few reasons why LeBron James is better than Michael Jordan.

Everything James does is grounded on a firm stance of “earned, not given.”

Jordan earned everything he had, but when you treat people poorly as a leader, you come off as arrogant, which is why I stand firm in my belief – I believe LeBron James is, and will always be, the greatest of all-time.