5. All-Around Brilliance

I understand just how beloved Michael Jordan is. He is, probably, the most revered athlete of all-time.

Nothing negative is brought up about the guy. This is even the case despite some questionable off the court moves.

Nevertheless, Jordan was not a perfect basketball player.

Jordan was the quintessential two-guard. He was a 6’6” prototype for what the position was. He played the role of a damn good scorer and the best closer in NBA history.

Did he do other things well also? Of course. His being named to the first-team All-Defensive team nine times is perfect evidence.

Despite all the brilliance, LeBron James is a much better overall player.

The only thing LeBron cannot do as well as Jordan is shoot the ball with consistency from the outside. LeBron’s basketball IQ, defense, court vision and facilitating trumps Jordan’s in every way.

The numbers don’t lie either.

Despite Jordan being the better shooter, both guys are almost identical when field goal percentage is concerned (MJ: .497, LBJ: .496). This is the stat that gives us a glimpse into how efficient they are with each shot they take, and it’s a wash.

Considering shooting is a wash, LeBron takes the all-around title over MJ based on everything else he brings to the table.

The man is a legitimate 6’9” 260 lbs. He can play every position on the floor and fill any role needed. This is something Jordan could never do.

Scoring and the “last shot” is not everything in basketball. Although it does make for some great theater. LeBron’s “theater” is now starting to come furiously at us.

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com