LeBron James vs Jimmy Butler: Which Superstar Will Carry His Team To The NBA Championship?

The NBA Finals have taken an exciting turn after the Heat won Game 3 in dominant fashion. Miami won behind a valiant effort from their star Jimmy Butler, who outplayed both LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Butler became the first player to ever out-score, out-rebound, and out-assist LBJ in a finals game. Also, Jimmy and LeBron exchanged a few words during the game, which probably ignited a fire in Butler. As a result, he went on to score 40 points, grab 11 boards, and assist his teammates 13 times in the ball game.

Following the amazing performance from Jimmy, it raises a question: Which player has been the better leader for their side? LeBron James or Jimmy Butler?

A look at LeBron James and Jimmy Butler’s playoff run…

Checking the raw stats, there is no doubt that LBJ has had a better playoff run. He is averaging 26.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and nearly 9 assists per game. However, with Anthony Davis as his second option, the Lakers have a definite advantage while facing their opponents.

On the contrary, Jimmy Butler is the true star for this Miami Heat team. Although Butler’s 22.1 ppg doesn’t jump out of the box score, he brings more to the table. He is the leader of this underdog Miami squad. Moreover, Butler can shift gears whenever required, which was on full display in the Game 3 victory.

LeBron James vs Jimmy Butler: Which player for their team is more important in the upcoming final games?

Jimmy Butler and the Heat are on a fabulous run this postseason but there is only so much a single player can do. In the absence of his two best teammates in Dragic and Adebayo, all the burden falls on Jimmy’s shoulder.

Moreover, the Heat is facing one of the best individual Finals performers in LeBron James. This is James’ 10th NBA Finals and over the years, he has routinely taken his game to the next level when it matters the most.

At the end of the day, if LBJ performs at his best, the Lakers should be able to finish the series in five or six games. The pressure is on Butler as he is the lone star on whom the Heat can rely in this dire situation.

But what do you think? Will the Lakers win the series or will it be the Miami Heat?