Following His Latest ESPYS Win, LeBron James Further Pushes Himself Away From NBA GOAT Rival Michael Jordan

Published 07/13/2023, 5:50 AM EDT

The GOAT debate is one of the most prevalent conversations in the NBA world. The most recurring names in this debate are LeBron James and Michael Jordan. The two have been pitted against each other since The King entered the NBA court as a teen sensation in 2003. However, there seems to have been a fascinating development in this narrative now.

The ESPY Awards are a coveted award ceremony that take place annually. They recognise extraordinary performances by athletes in the whole year and award the best of the best. LeBron James and Michael Jordan are both no strangers to the ESPYs, becoming one of the most recurrent winners of the award. However, with yet another win in the 2023 ESPYs, James seems to have an unassailable lead.

LeBron James reigns supreme

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LeBron James has had an incredible career in the NBA for 20 years. The Los Angeles Lakers forward achieved unparalleled heights in the league. The 4-time MVP has also had immense success at the ESPYs. One of his greatest achievements however came earlier this year when he surpassed “The Captain” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in the NBA.

This remarkable feat of James’ was recognised at the ESPYs. The Chosen One received the ESPY Award For Best Record-Breaking Performance. This marked the 19-time All Star’s whopping 16th win at the ESPYs.

This win has also propelled James’ tally to 9 more ESPY wins than his GOAT debate rival, Michael Jordan. However, MJ has not fared too bad at the ESPYs himself.

Jordan was an ESPY award regular too

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The inaugural edition of the ESPYs was in 1993. By that time, Jordan boasted of a two championships along with two Finals MVP awards, three MVP awards, a Rookie of the Year and a Defensive Player of the Year award. His Airness was a phenomenon before the ESPYs even began.

However, since 1993, Jordan managed to accumulate 7 ESPY Awards. The Chicago Bulls legend won the Best NBA Player ESPY Award 4 times. He won the Best Comeback Athlete Award in 1996 for his outstanding comeback from his short baseball stint to propel the Chicago Bulls back into a championship run. Jordan went on to win the award yet again in 2002 when he returned from retirement to play for the Washington Wizards. He also won the Best Male Athlete Award in 1993.

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MJ may have had a tremendous record at the ESPYs but James has overtaken him by a landslide. By winning 9 more ESPY Awards than Jordan, “The King” has certainly reigned supreme. So, has The Chosen One set himself apart in the GOAT debate?

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Written by:

Sachit is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. He has been following the NBA for several years and is deeply passionate about the sport and it’s strategic aspects. Combining his passion and desire to stay connected with basketball, Sachit pursued a writing career.

Edited by:

Bilal Handoo

Following His Latest ESPYS Win, LeBron James Further Pushes Himself Away From NBA GOAT Rival Michael Jordan

LeBron James reigns supreme

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Jordan was an ESPY award regular too