LeBron James on Michael Jordan: “Our games are completely different”

LeBron James is compared to Michael Jordan not because they have similar styles, but because at a certain point the games great players can only be measured against one another — and Michael Jordan is the ultimate bar. He is the GOAT (at least for most people, you can argue it if you want). LeBron wants to be on that tier.

But LeBron’s and MJ’s games are not the same. LeBron was asked about similarities in their styles at age 32, via Cavs.com:

“No. He was much more of a scorer, at that point did a lot of post work, but our games are just different. His body is different, my body is different than his. You recognize the dominance in someone at that age, but there’s no similarities in our game at all.”

What about the fadeaways?

“Our shots are different. He had much more lift in his fadeaway than mine. That was definitely a go-to move of his, but our games are completely different.”

LeBron is correct. Jordan had a more consistent jump shot from an early age and used that as a weapon, plus his footwork made him dangerous in the post much earlier. LeBron is more athletic and can bully his way to the rim against anyone, then uses that insane first step and strength to open up the other areas of his game (like his jumper). MJ was the better scorer, LeBron the more gifted and natural passer.

But game recognize game. These are two of the best the NBA has ever seen.