Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James Comparison Without NBA Championships

The GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James is happening more often than it should, mainly because the latter has lasted 20 years in the NBA at the highest level and continues to prove why he is truly a one-of-a-kind player. When taking into account championships won, it is hard to argue against Jordan being the greatest player of all time with six NBA titles and six Finals MVPs to his name. 

In comparison, LeBron James only has four championships and four Finals MVPs and he often loses the GOAT debate as a result. What if championships were not taken into account? Would LeBron James have a better resume than Michael Jordan, taking into account all other accolades? We have the breakdown of the Jordan vs. James comparison by removing titles won and giving a final analysis.

Michael Jordan’s Resume Without Championships:

• 5 MVP Awards
• 14x All-Star
• 11x All-NBA Team Selection
• 9x All-Defensive Team Selection
• 1x Defensive Player of the Year
• 1x Rookie of the Year
• 10x Scoring Champion
• 3x Steals Leader
• 3x All-Star Game MVP
• 2x Slam Dunk Winner

LeBron James’ Resume Without Championships:

• 4 MVP Awards
• 19x All-Star
• 19x All-NBA Team Selection
• 6x All-Defensive Team Selection
• 1x Rookie of the Year
• 1x Scoring Champion
• 1x Assist Leader
• 3x All-Star Game MVP

Complete Breakdown

Michael Jordan's five MVP Awards underscore his consistent excellence and impact, emphasizing his status as the league's most valuable player on multiple occasions. Jordan's MVP triumphs were achieved in the years 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, and 1998, showcasing his ability to maintain an exceptionally high level of performance and leadership throughout different stages of his career. His best MVP season might have come in 1988 when he averaged a monster 35.0 points per game to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.

In the realm of All-Star appearances, Jordan's 14 selections further solidify his iconic status. From his debut in 1985 to his final All-Star appearance in 2003, Jordan's perennial presence on the All-Star stage is a testament to his enduring popularity and peer recognition as one of the game's greatest talents. His All-Star accolades include three MVP awards from the midseason showcase, illustrating his ability to shine even in the company of basketball's elite.

In the 1987-1988 NBA season, Michael Jordan showcased his exceptional defensive prowess by earning the coveted Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award, a rare accomplishment for a player renowned for his offensive exploits. Jordan's defensive impact was exemplified by his averages of 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game that season, highlighting his ability to disrupt opponents and anchor the Chicago Bulls' defense.

Simultaneously, Jordan's offensive dominance was further underscored by an impressive ten scoring titles throughout his career, a feat unparalleled in NBA history. His scoring titles were achieved in the seasons spanning from 1986-87 to 1997-98, with remarkable scoring averages, including the iconic 37.1 points per game in the 1986-87 season.

Jordan's ability to excel on both ends of the court demonstrated through defensive accolades (three steals leader) and scoring titles, solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest and most well-rounded players in basketball history. To boost his legacy further, Jordan competed in the Slam Dunk Contest and won it twice along with capturing Rookie of the Year in 1985 when he posted 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

LeBron James, on the other hand, boasts four MVP Awards, a testament to his sustained brilliance and impact in the league. LeBron's MVP triumphs occurred in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013, spanning his tenures with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. These awards underscore his ability to consistently elevate his game and lead his teams with remarkable skill and versatility.

In terms of All-Star appearances, LeBron's remarkable 19 selections set a new standard for longevity and excellence in the modern era. From his debut in 2005 to his most recent 2023 appearance, LeBron has been a fixture in the All-Star game, showcasing his enduring popularity and the respect he commands from fans and fellow players alike. LeBron's All-Star MVP honors, earned three times, further highlight his ability to shine on the grand stage of the midseason showcase.

James won one scoring title in his fifth NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 30.0 points per game on 48.4% from the field, 31.5% from three, and 71.2% from the free-throw line. The King also led the league in assists in the 2019-20 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers when he posted 10.2 assists per game alongside Anthony Davis. James’ Rookie of the Year award was also given in the 2003-04 campaign when he averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.

Michael Jordan Has A Better Resume Than LeBron James Even Without Championships

In scrutinizing the careers of Michael Jordan and LeBron James without placing emphasis on championships, Michael Jordan's advantage in individual accolades becomes starkly apparent. Jordan's five MVP Awards, 14 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA Team nods, and Defensive Player of the Year honor surpass LeBron James in terms of sheer variety and depth of achievements.

Jordan's defensive prowess, exemplified by his steals and blocks leadership during his DPOY season, adds a unique facet to his resume that distinguishes him as one of the greatest two-way players in the history of the sport. Additionally, Jordan's unprecedented ten scoring titles underscore his unparalleled scoring ability, showcasing not only his skill but also his impact on the game.

While Jordan's resume shines with the brilliance of individual accomplishments, LeBron James stands out as the paragon of longevity in the NBA. LeBron's four MVP Awards, 19 All-Star selections, and 19 All-NBA Team nods are indicative of his sustained excellence and enduring impact over an extended period.

His ability to maintain an elite level of play for two decades is an unprecedented feat in the history of the league, solidifying him as the greatest player ever in terms of pure longevity. LeBron's accomplishments, to a significant extent, come down to his remarkable durability, adaptability, and consistency, making him a force to be reckoned with over the long haul.

However, when determining the greatest of all time, the debate extends beyond mere longevity. Michael Jordan's claim to the title of the GOAT is rooted in the sheer magnitude of his impact, his unparalleled skill set, and the intangibles that defined his era. Jordan's influence transcended statistical achievements; it resonated in the competitive fire, leadership, and clutch performances that defined his illustrious career.

While LeBron's longevity is a testament to his remarkable career, Jordan's legacy as the GOAT is founded on the extraordinary combination of skill, impact, and greatness that set a standard for excellence in the NBA. Perhaps once and for all, we should crown Jordan the best to ever compete in professional basketball and leave it at that.