Denny Hamlin has always put Michael Jordan at the forefront of every decision he makes, both for the 23XI Racing team and as an athlete himself. On his podcast, the #11 JGR driver hasn’t shied away from gushing about how much he’s idolized Michael Jordan for ages and how thankful he is to co-own a team with him. But recently, a moment on his podcast caught him by surprise. Jared Allen suggested that maybe Michael Jordan isn’t the greatest and most popular athlete right now, which left Dale Eatnhardt Jr‘s employee, Denny Hamlin with a witty response: we need a new co-host.

Denny Hamlin and his co-host are at loggerheads with each other 

Denny Hamlin and his co-host Jared Allen were deep into a chat about Michael Jordan’s huge impact on the 23XI Racing team, talking up how MJ not only brings in big business and sponsorships but is also super involved in the racing side of things. In the middle of it all, Hamlin threw out there, “He is the most popular athlete in the world. I mean is there a more popular athlete in the world?” To which Jared Allen tossed back, “LeBron [James]?” That comeback didn’t exactly sit well with Hamlin. He even half-jokingly told his crew, “We need a new co-host.”

But, really, does Jared have a point? Both LeBron James and Michael Jordan have their strong suits, with arguments to back each of them up. Some folks argue LeBron James’s longevity is the only reason he’s edged past Jordan in some records, while others reckon that’s exactly what tips the scales in his favor. Keeping this debate in mind, The Athletic decided to get the scoop directly from the court, polling 133 NBA players on who they think holds the title. And in a surprising turn of events, Jordan’s superiority might soon be eclipsed!

For the third year in a row, NBA players have crowned the Chicago Bulls icon as the greatest of all time. But the race between him and LeBron James is heating up, with Jordan snagging 45.9% of the votes and LeBron close behind at 42.1%. Just last year, out of 103 NBA players polled, 58.3% went with Jordan as their GOAT, while only 33% backed LeBron James.

Back in 2019, Jordan had a massive lead (73% to LeBron James’s 11.9%), and he still had a strong lead in 2023. But now, the margin has slimmed down to just 3.8%. So, maybe Jared Allen was onto something. It looks like players are starting to really weigh LeBron’s enduring career in the GOAT conversations.

But aside from the poll numbers, do the stats back this up, or is LeBron James’s rising popularity swaying opinions?

Here’s a scoop on the stats

When you break it down game by game, Jordan’s the king of scoring, but LeBron James beats him on the boards and in assists. Both guys are defensive powerhouses on the wing, but Jordan nabbed the league’s top spot for steals three times. LeBron hasn’t snagged a steals title yet. If we’re talking staying power, LeBron’s got the edge. He’s still going strong at 39, and as long as he stays in the game, his total numbers will only keep climbing.

However, just once Jordan dipped below LeBron’s scoring average during the season he busted his foot and the times he came back from retirement—including that stint after his swing at baseball with the Birmingham Barons. In the scoring title race, Jordan’s way ahead with 10 to LeBron James’s one, outpacing him in points in 11 of their first 15 seasons.

Even when you throw in advanced stats that smooth out era differences, picking a GOAT could go either way. In the ‘value over replacement‘ stat, which sums up a player’s overall worth, LeBron James is a giant, leading all players by a hefty margin. Some of that lead over Jordan—about 30 points—is thanks to his long career, but keeping up top-notch play for two decades is no small feat. The gap between them on this and many other measures is tiny, but LeBron’s monster score in value over replacement just might tip the scales. For what it’s worth, only LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and John Stockton have ever topped 100 in this stat.

Looking at the NBA Finals, Jordan’s record is pristine—six wins, no losses, and he never even needed a Game 7. But LeBron’s path includes dragging three different teams to the finals 10 times, clinching a title with each and finally winning one for his home state of Ohio on his second stint with the Cavs.

Well, who are you sided with- Michael Jordan or LeBron James?