LeBron James and Michael Jordan are etched in history as two of the greatest players ever. The real question is who is the greatest to lace up some shoes and shoot the ball?
LeBron James has done so much throughout his illustrious career that it’s really tough to see how he isn’t considered the greatest of all-time.
Many people have their own opinions and believe he is, while others have declared there’s no true debate. It's Michael Jordan, end of discussion.
But that can change if James can lead the 76ers to a championship. He has been at the epicenter of every team he has been a part of, and this time could be different. This new roster around him allows him the luxury of taking a back seat.
James is the all-time leader in points and has surpassed Jordan in nearly every major statistical category. The only factor Jordan has on James is his success in the NBA Finals. It’s the one record that people care about, as Jordan is an undefeated, 6-6, and James is 4-6.
There's a little more to it than that. Jordan has never taken three different teams to the playoffs, let alone to an NBA Championship. Take away the record, and it’s clear who has the numbers to stand on it.
James has been to the playoffs 19 times, while Jordan has only been there 13 times. We want to talk about the All-Stars, yet Jordan played with seemingly just as many during his time with the Chicago Bulls. With Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid, it will be easier on James to get back to the NBA Finals.
Embiid is still a superstar in his own right, while Brown and Maxey can lead the charge in the scoring department. That leaves the wildcard in VJ Edgecombe, who could have free range to fly around the court doing all the little things to help boost the team.
The 76ers have the athleticism and talent to go far. They just need someone to give them the right push. James could do what no other star has done and bring a championship to the team for the first time in over 30 years. If he could do that in just his first year, he would be compared to Tom Brady and leave Jordan behind.
Let’s not forget the 76ers made it to the second round but ran out of gas. With a new roster and some added help, it’s easy to see that this team has what it takes. James as the facilitator could ensure that they have a fighting chance.
Many claim this move by James could hurt him. But I think it helps. It’d be the fourth team that James has led to an NBA title, and that should be something to marvel at. If anything, it could push the debate towards James.
The King can assume the throne as the best to ever do it if the 76ers bring home the trophy that has alluded to them for more than four decades.
