LeBron vs. MJ and the Battle for NBA Supremacy

It is difficult to compare Jordan and LeBron because they are a different sort of player. Kobe/MJ comparisons are easier because their style and skill set are similar. MJ is clearly better than Kobe at Kobe's own game. Comparing MJ to LeBron is not as easy, because LeBron's game is tougher, grittier, and more versatile than MJ's. Despite the fact that it is probably pointless, here's my effort to compare LeBron and MJ. This is LeBron now vs. MJ in his prime.

LEBRON VS. MJ

Shooting/scoring: MJ has the edge here, although not a huge edge. LeBron will probably never be quite the scorer MJ was, but he'll be more than good enough.

Rebounding: LeBron. Duh.

Passing: Again, clearly LeBron, who is more than capable of playing PG effectively.

Creating mismatches: LeBron, but not by much. MJ didn't create mismatches as much as he was just very difficult (at times impossible) to defend. LeBron is tough to defend because he is a big, strong player who can do things that big, strong players shouldn't be able to do. Anyone against LeBron James is a mismatch, but the same was true of MJ, although, I think, for different reasons.

Drawing double teams: Tie. They both should be doubled at all times. Maybe tripled. However, MJ was more adept at splitting those doubles (maybe the best of all time at it), while LeBron is more capable of creating opportunities for teammates out of the double with his superior passing skills. Again, tough to compare.

Defense: Probably a toss-up at this point. Both are very good but not outrageously great defenders. LeBron will improve and this will be another category where he gets the edge.

Leadership: MJ by a mile. LeBron has great potential here, and it will come with time. LeBron may never have MJ's charisma, but he can at least come close.

Final Analysis: The way I see it, LeBron is probably slightly less valuable now than Jordan was in his prime, but due to the type of player LeBron is, his potential value is much greater than that of MJ in his prime. LeBron shouldn't be crowned "the next Jordan" because he's a very different player. However, he is definitely the heir to Jordan's throne as the dominant force of NBA basketball.

Other candidates for NBA World Domination include:

Dwayne Wade: A player more in the mold of Jordan, but he's not even the best Jordan look-alike in the league right now. (That's still Kobe). We'll see what Wade is made of when old age and cap restraints gut the Heat.

Dirk: Incredible at creating mismatches, at times looks like a taller and more athletic Larry Bird. Can be unstoppable. Can also be pathetic. Jordan didn't take days off, especially not in the NBA Finals.

Kobe: Kobe has reached his potential, and it isn't quite up there with Jordan. At least now he can say he's the best player on his team.

McGrady: Huge talent, no effort, no drive, no competitive fire, and a lot of injuries. Still could wind up in the Hall of Fame if he can team up with Yao and win a title or two, but the clock is ticking on that...the NBA will soon be LeBron's world, and McGrady will be watching just like the rest of us.

Shaq: Sorry, Diesel. Your time has come and gone. Shaq was the most dominant force in the league for years, but it's clearly over.

Greg Oden: Possibly the next Shaq. Possibly better. May take over after LeBron's reign ends, though he isn't that much younger than LeBron.