Michael Jordan Once Ended the Kobe Bryant vs LeBron James Debate With Brutal 3 Word Reality Check for Lakers’ Franchise Player

Michael Jordan’s name is always alive in the GOAT debate. The probable reason is that apart from other greats, Jordan would’ve been a great player even in today’s game. After his retirement, Kobe Bryant took over the league. While after Bryant called it quits, LeBron was seen as the next leader.

Though who among the two was greater? Michael saw competitiveness in Bryant and dominance in LeBron. Being one of the greatest players in the game doesn’t only take individual skills. The player has to carry the team as a whole and not separate the team’s achievements from his. But for Jordan, championships play a more crucial role when it comes to comparing big-time players.

Michael Jordan had LeBron under Bryant’s 5 championships

Kobe Bryant had won 5 rings in his career. He won 3 with Shaq and the other 2 with Pau Gasol. What’s interesting is that every championship was either a repeat or three-peat. While all this happened before 2012, LeBron had only won 1 championship playing alongside Dwyane Wade in Miami.

In 2012, Michael was asked who he thought was better between LeBron and Kobe. Michael said that between the two, Kobe worked at the most extreme. He also praised LeBron, but his words, “Five beats one.” said it all. At the time, LeBron only had one ring, though he went on to win his second in 2013, his third in 2016, and his fourth in 2020.

Kobe had lost several Finals as well. The 2004 Finals were a disaster for Bryant’s Lakers as they lost to a team with no All-Stars. LeBron has also been defeated in the Finals, his 4 time series versus the Warriors was one of the famous Finals rivalries. Both the players have had the experience of playing for the title, but Kobe had the right pieces with him at the right time.

Can LeBron win another title?

James has won 4 championships in his 19-year-long career. He still has a few seasons left and if the King manages to win another ring, he will tie this comparison. Bryant tried his best to go for his sixth, but couldn’t.

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If James can add another title under his name, it will cement his greatness in league history. While on the other hand, beating Jordan’s record almost seems impossible in this era. Do you think any player in the future could carry his team to 7 championships? Let us know in the comments section below.

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