Michael Jordan and LeBron James have made an impact on the sporting world not many athletes have had. The legacies of both Michael Jordan and LeBron James are untouchable. No player has achieved what Michael Jordan did with Chicago Bulls when he led his team to the three-peat NBA championship win in the span of just a decade where he only played 9 seasons.

On the other hand, LeBron James is absolutely devastating even in his 19th season. He has won 4 NBA championships, two less than MJ, but leads his GOAT competitor in every stat there is. This season LeBron became the first and only player to hit 10k in career points, rebounds, and assists. He also surpassed Karl Malone to become the player with second-most career points. 

Many analysts, former players, current players, and all the fans choose their side, whether they believe Michael Jordan is the GOAT or LeBron James is. Jordan played more playoff games than James and obviously won more of them.

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Although LeBron leads MJ in all numbers and longevity, LeBron James has lost 33 times in NBA finals. Whereas MJ fell short only 11 times. This season LeBron failed to qualify for the play-in tournament with the Lakers. Now the question arises: does it tarnish LeBron James’ legacy in any way?

The Legacy of Michael Jordan and LeBron James

Shannon Sharpe, on The Undisputed, made a bold claim and believed that not making the playoffs has no effect on LeBron’s legacy.

Shannon Sharpe was quick to accuse the faithful fans of Michael Jordan that they had double standards. He believes that even when MJ did not qualify for the playoffs in his last two seasons with the Washington Wizards and ‘had to’ retire twice in order to complete his career, the two things had no effect on MJ’s legacy and greatness. He made his point that LeBron also should be treated in the same light.

The question was how much not qualifying for the play-in has affected LeBron’s legacy. Shannon was quick to reply, “Zero, zero. LeBron James is redefining what it means to play at an extended high level for an extended period of time.”

Shannon continued, “Did missing the playoff in Washington the last two years hurt Michael Jordan’s legacy? Absolutely not! Michael Jordan had to retire twice just to make it through 15 seasons. Did that hurt his legacy? Absolutely not! So once you get to a level and you’ve accomplished what these men have accomplished, there’s nothing that’s going to change the perception of them.”

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“Yeah, you see, he [LeBron] missed the playoffs. He didn’t even make the play-in tournament. But if you understand basketball then you understand what this man has been able to do this year.”

Many die-hard fans of either of the two make their arguments on what matters the most in the large scheme of things. The number of championships or the lead in possibly every stat?

The comparisons between the two players who have transcended generations with their greatness. Their legacies have left a mark on millions of people. There will never be another Michael Jordan or LeBron James.