LeBron James Fans Corner Michael Jordan Over Alleged 2001 Comment

Many conditions stand in the way of comparing LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Numerous people have tried, and numerous people have failed. The key factor to note is that in their prime, both these men featured in different eras. The game was played differently, and everyone had varied strengths and weaknesses. Fans will go to any extent to defend their idols, but in truth, it is difficult to draw comparisons between the pairing.

Michael Jordan dominated his era of the league. Playing for the Chicago Bulls and later the Washington Wizards, ‘MJ’ accumulated an average of over 30 points over the course of his career. According to many pundits, the game back then was more physical. However, playing in the league for such a long time, LeBron’s longevity is no modest feat either. At the age of 35 last year, the veteran still amassed an average of 25 points in what was termed a poor season for him. But a claim of Jordan’s from many years ago has sparked another debate.

LeBron James fans go wild at Michael Jordan’s statement on zone defenses

About two decades ago, the NBA had aimed to implement multiple changes on the defensive end. As per the new system, teams can play more free-flowing defensive basketball, applying any scheme they wish to, including the zone. Right before the change, however, Jordan had decided to speak against the alterations. According to Sam Smith, the now 58-year-old had quoted back then that “if teams were able to play zone defenses, he never would have had the career he did.” In its basic form, zone defense is when each player is assigned a specific portion of the court to guard, regardless of who steps into this portion.

Although the hypothetical question cannot be answered, fans were bewildered by the statement. They had their own viewpoints on how effective the zonal defense tactic would be in Jordan’s era. Meanwhile, LeBron James has thrived under such tactics. One fan mocked Jordan’s claim by saying, “They lowkey playing zone back then you can see it in tapes lmao.” Meanwhile, another kept it simple by saying, “LeBron is the goat confirmed.” Here are some of the best tidbits from the fans.

Regardless of when they played, LeBron and Jordan are two generational talents who will never be seen again. Contrary to all the conjecture surrounding the eras of basketball, the best possible solution is to enjoy the sport. Let’s hope for another exhilarating edition of the league, which kicks off in about a week.

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