Michael Jordan Outperforms LeBron James in Crucial Stat

Jordan's free throw excellence gave him an advantage over James: it meant that teams couldn't use the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy against him during clutch situations. His 83.5% free throw shooting mark reflects the same meticulous attention to detail that characterized his entire game. Jordan - though having almost mythological athleticism - was never overdependent on his physicality, but focused on mastering each and every meticulous aspect of the game. 

James ranks 3rd in total free throws made, but when you consider the length of his career and the frequency with which he goes to the foul line, he really should be in 1st. However, despite his countless hours in the gym and numerous attempts to refine his free throw technique, James has never found the same consistency as other NBA greats. His 73.6% career average has occasionally forced coaches to make difficult decisions about his presence on the floor in late-game situations, putting pressure on his teammates to make clutch plays. 

The disparity between Jordan and LeBron's free throw shooting becomes even more striking when you compare the superstars' playoff stats. While Jordan's FT% remained remarkably steady under postseason pressure, James experienced some notable  misses during crucial playoff games. 

As James continues to break records and chase championships in his 22nd season, his free throw percentage remains a rare blemish on an otherwise remarkable career. It stands as the most notable area of the game where LeBron has yet to match Jordan's skill.