LeBron James vs Michael Jordan ? a Look at NBA GOATs? USA Careers Ahead of the FIBA World Cup

While the NBA court debate is one that is probably never going to receive a conclusive answer, the discussion is including newer topics by the day. Just a week ago, shoe sales became a part of the discussion via Michael Jordan‘s trainers. Since then, prices for players’ rookie cards have also become a point of emphasis. However, the key denominator remains basketball.

While a comparison between NBA careers is commonplace, perhaps, a different angle can provide answers? Despite dominating the NBA landscape, how did Mike and LeBron James fare at the international level?

Rookie sensations

Both Jordan and LeBron made their way onto the international stage amidst their NBA journeys. 20 years apart, the two took the court for the US National Team in their respective Olympics. In the case of Michael, it was the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Meanwhile, James took the court in the 2004 Olympics. While the pair each made the team as a rookie, MJ of course with the Chicago Bulls and LBJ with the Cleveland Cavaliers, their contributions were vastly different.

Michael was coming off 3 years of the college experience. However, James came into the league straight from high school, a rarity in NBA circles. The difference in experience was starkly visible during their first taste of international basketball.

While Jordan and Team USA put forth an outstanding effort en route to a Gold medal, the fate was much different in 2004. Rookie LeBron was barely a factor as the team finished with a Bronze medal, a far cry from their usual dominance.

In 8 games apiece, Jordan tallied 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists while playing solid defense. LeBron, however, barely logged 11 minutes per contest, finishing with averages of 5 points and a rebound and an assist per game.

But the second time these two legends would wear Team USA’s colors at the Olympics was a very different story.

Dream or Redeem?

By the time Mike represented the US again, he was already a made man. With MVPs and a title under his resume, the pressure of proving himself had evaporated. That he was joining a crew of legendary talents like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, among others, was the icing on the cake. This iteration of Team USA is the Dream Team.

However, James wasn’t far behind in his quest either. Coming off a historic trip to the Finals, James was ready to break out. With him joining names like Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Dwyane Wade, Team USA was out for revenge. The Redeem Team of 2008 more than lived up to its name.

Both these historically legendary squads would dominate the international circuit. Further, each bagged the Gold Medal in a crushing display of their supremacy. The 6-time NBA Champion would put up just a tick under 15 points to go along with 5 assists. More shocking, however, was his consistently excellent defense as he averaged over 4 steals a night.

Bron was just as sensational. Showcasing his elite athleticism, his numbers read 15.8 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Similar to his idol before him, the 4-time MVP would also put together a remarkable defensive effort. Tallying close to 2.5 steals and more than a block per contest, he was elite on the less glamorous end of the floor as well.

While the two Olympic appearances were the scale of Mike’s involvement with the national squad, the current Los Angeles Lakers superstar would make a few additional appearances through his career.

LeBron James – 2012 Olympics and FIBA World Cups

As a member of the Miami Heat, LeBron would return for another tryst at the Olympics. Taking his talents to London with the rest of the squad, a balanced US attack would see LeBron take a backseat. His numbers were still elite, as he finished with 13, 5 and 5 en-route to another Gold Medal.

2 years after the team’s letdown at the Olympics, Team USA would try again at the FIBA World Cup in 2006. This time, LeBron had some experience under his belt, leading the way with 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists per game. However, the team again fell short, losing to the miracle tale of Manu Ginobili and Argentina, and settled for Bronze, again.

However, the next year, LeBron took full authority of the team in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship. Leading the team to a victorious gold campaign, James was sensational in the final game. Matched up against Argentina once more, the 4-time NBA Champion exploded for 31 points after averaging around 18 for the tournament, ensuring the USA’s victory.

While both have their share of fantastic moments, who wins a proverbial war?

Bron or Michael Jordan – who did it better?

When comparing medal counts, Lebron has 2 Gold and 1 Bronze. On the other hand, Mike won gold both times he participated. However, James has an added wrinkle of an extra Bronze and Gold at FIBA tournaments.

For their entire tenure, MJ averages 16 points a contest on sub-par efficiency. LeBron, though, has a much lower scoring average at 11.4. However, he makes up for that by elite efficiency. While Jordan shot a pedestrian 45% from the field, the King?stood at 60%. Moreover, a similar tale follows from long-distance as well where the kid from Akron wins 38-21.

James’ numbers, though, take into account his stint from 2004, where he served as a bench warmer. If accounting for years with the full authority of playing time, his 14.4 points on equally elite efficiency look far closer to Jordan’s numbers.

The verdict

Unfortunately, it’s nothing but splitting hairs. Apropos to their NBA careers, Jordan holds the perfect record, while LeBron holds the stats and quantity of victory. Choosing between the two remains a tiresome and perhaps unfruitful task.

Read More: With FIBA World Cup Approaching, Who Is Team USA’s Top Scorer?

While arguments can be made from both angles, the debate rages on. Today, neither is representing the USA team on its quest for the 2022 World Cup. Even though some have called the cast a “sorry group”, their showcase so far has been exceptional.

Whether win or lose, the team is going to add an exciting new chapter to Team USA’s history. As for the discussion between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, we leave that to you. You have all the facts, all the intricacies, take your pick. And let us know!

Watch This Story: When a Star-Studded USA Team Crashed Out of the FIBA World Cup

Who do you think fared better on the international stage? LBJ or MJ? Share your views in the comments!