By Augustus Golden
One of the immense pleasures of sports talk is comparing “greats” from different eras: The 85 Bears vs. The 72 Dolphins, Mike Tyson vs. Muhammad Ali, Michael Johnson vs. Usain Bolt.
These days, the hot topic of debate is one that, up until recently, was unthinkable. I mean, how dare we suggest that there is a mere mortal who could actually challenge Michael Jeffrey Jordan as the master of the hardwood?
But now with the emergence of LeBron James AKA King James, for the first time since the 80s we have a legit debate. So who would win a good old fashioned One on One to 11 if both were in their primes?
MJ had the whole package. Good outside shooter, lightening quick first step, great moves from the perimeter and in the post. And, when all else fails, he could just use that 44 inch vertical to dunk over you. Sounds unbeatable right?
Lord help me Jesus but I’m thinking… not so much.
LeBron is bigger and stronger than His Airness and just as fast. He gets up as high and statistics show they both shot 32% from the three point line.
So where exactly is MJ’s advantage? Most would say he was mentally tougher. But he would need to be if he would be using his then 218 lb frame to bang in the post against the 260 plus frame of James. I don’t know, maybe MJ could convince Scottie Pippen to come in and play defense for him like he did in the 91 finals against Magic Johnson. But failing that, I give the nod to the King. Yes! I said it. LeBron would beat MJ if they both were in their prime. So that’s my take.
What do you think sports fans? One on One: His Airness vs. The King. WHO WINS?
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October 1, 2013 at 12:36 pm
MJ. He had a greater ability to galvanize under average players to a greater good. Bron doesn’t have as much skill in the area of leadership.
October 1, 2013 at 9:41 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20131001/michael-jordan-lebron-james-one-on-one-kobe-bryant.ap/?xid=ob_sisports According to M.J., he would win the match… I hate to admit it but, I think LeBron would sink his battleship! Maybe if it was more a test of will power Mike would conquer with his confidence.
October 2, 2013 at 6:52 am
MJ, just by sheer force of will. Ali, Foreman, Tyson, Roy Jones, Sugar Ray(s), etc. (pick any legitimate boxing champion) often beat their opponents before stepping into the ring. The same with MJ. Throw in a dish (“You reach, I teach…”), add some swagger, and LeBron gets served.
October 2, 2013 at 12:35 pm
MJ would have Bron Bron’s phony flopping butt crying to the refs… TO NO AVAIL! You already said why. Michael had a mental game that was second to none. LeBron is physically strong, but mentally soft.