I have been watching basketball for my entire life -- ever since Lebron James entered the league in 2003. For every second in his NBA career he has heard the comparisons of the undoubted great, Michael Jordan. The six time NBA champion has been crowned as the NBA's best player of all time, and some even think that LeBron will never catch up to Jordan. Already 2-4 in NBA finals appearances, some people feel as if Lebron can never catch up.
James has been an absolute tank since entering the league, averaging 27 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in his 13 year career. Jordan averaged 30 points, five assists and five rebounds a game in his 15 year career. Often criticized for not scoring more, LeBron has taken a backseat to Jordan his whole career when, in reality, people need to start comparing him to Magic Johnson.
Magic Johnson, point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, led them to championships during the '80s before he was diagnosed with HIV and was forced to retire. Johnson was an absolute spectacle to watch, creating flashy passes and making players like James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar look even better than they actually were. Johnson was also, undoubtedly, one of the best defensive players of his generation. With the uncanny ability to guard all five positions, he was one of a kind.
LeBron is more of the same. Ever since he entered the league he has been a lockup defender and a winner of multiple first team all defense awards. He also has the best court vision of any forward in the league. Almost every night, LeBron has the potential of putting up a triple double. In addition he can play every position and guard every position on the floor.
More people need to stop comparing LeBron with Jordan, and start comparing him to Magic. They are basically identical. They can play every position, guard every position, have incredible vision, are adept with the media and can single handedly take over a game. Jordan is more of a scorer, a takeover type player that would chose himself over his teammates.
The discussion needs to die down and end. James will never be Jordan, he is the second coming of Magic. Plain and simple.
