Where will LeBron James stack up against Michael Jordan if the Lakers win the 2024 NBA Finals?

Controversial for the ages, LeBron James and Michael Jordan came into the limelight after winning his third NBA championship in 2016 out of high school from Akron, Ohio. Over the years, James did everything in his power to challenge the legacy Jordan left behind. Ironically, MJ hung up his jersey in 2003, the same year James entered the league. Multiple stories claim that MJ only retired to avoid a rivalry with James. However, these theories remain unsolved.

Most points scored by a player in his 21st season:

1,822 – LeBron James
1,700
1,600
1,500
1,400
1,300
1,230 — all others combined

Almost 2k points in 21 years is insane. pic.twitter.com/YFOjeOTbEg

— BronMuse (@BronMuse) April 19, 2024

James broke several records during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is the league’s all-time leader in points scored. James also broke several age-specific records while becoming the only NBA star to surpa*s 40,000 points and record over 11,000 rebounds and a*sists. While his current resume is more than enough to trump Jordan’s legacy, some claim his lack of rings is holding him back.

Can LeBron James be considered the GOAT with a fifth title?

The Los Angeles Lakers got off to a shaky start to the 2023-24 season, however, and Derwin Hamm helped find a solution to close out the regular season in fashion. Even though LA was a play-in product, they still have a good chance to make a deep playoff run. But let’s say LeBron James wins his fifth title this season, will that give him an edge over Jordan? MJ won titles in 15 seasons and made more playoff appearances than James Jordan.

Michael Malone on LeBron James:

“It’s 21 years, and the guy is getting better…I hope he’s tired. I hope he wears it down. But I don’t see any signs of LeBron James slowing down at all.”

(via @harrisonwind) pic.twitter.com/OXukVSpCXG

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 19, 2024

Right now, there’s not much that can drag James’ legacy further than Jordan’s. To put that into perspective, James has more career rebounds, a*sists and points than Jordan, even tops the GOAT in three-pointers, triple-doubles, double-doubles and more. Yes, James had more time in the league than Jordan, but his longevity and dedication to the game mattered as well. A fifth title could help him cement his name above Jordan once and for all.

LeBron James and Co. The Nuggets will face stiff competition after that

A fifth title will be a tough task to accomplish this season, especially considering how consistent other teams have been compared to the Lakers. Right now, the Lakers are scheduled to face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. LA faced the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals last season but suffered a tragic 4-0 sweep. LA is a +300 underdog in this playoff series and they are also healthy compared to last season.

If Anthony Davis can find a way to contain Nikola Jokic’s relentless offensive prowess, the Lakers have a good chance to outlast the Nuggets. Now, if they pa*s the Nuggets, they have teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks to worry about. Let’s not forget, how well the LA Clippers have played but LeBron James’ IQ is enough to help them overcome their city rivals. Wolves are the better defensive team although absolutely nobody can top Luka Doncic’s efforts. The Lakers can finally fight back.