Michael Jordan and LeBron James have been constantly compared with each other in the NBA world. It is a sure fact that both are exceptional players and are considered GOATS in their own right. The past and present icons have left a legacy to debate for decades.
One such event was comparing LeBron and MJ and how a former NBA star and Hall of Famer responded to it. Who is the most eligible NBA star to speak up about the comparison?
Who owns the clutch genes?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Names such as Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman, and Scottie Pippen came around on the ‘First take’ at ESPN, where they chose to debate why it’s not fair to compare Michael Jordan and LeBron James in their respective careers. However, there were also claims that the latter didn’t press any clutch genes as MJ and the late Kobe Bryant did.
Stephen said that Bron came straight out of high school to the NBA and won #23 for the Lakers and was considered as ‘ The Chosen One’ by chasing a ghost in MJ. He has already racked up four NBA rings, a couple short of Jordan’s six.
He added that it took James many seasons to mature in his career mentally, but Jordan came into the league with a mature mind. Meanwhile, Pippen claimed that LeBron didn’t have the clutch genes like MJ or Kobe, saying, “When I look at LeBron, he’s not what Michael was as a player, he’s not what Kobe Bryant was as a player.”
Furthermore, Smith acknowledged the greatness of LeBron but felt that it was unfair to compare him with MJ. He then claimed that Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen was the right person to speak about it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Does Scottie Pippen despise Michael Jordan?
Scottie Pippen was the main reason to win six championship trophies in his career, according to Stephen A. Smith. Pippen and MJ’s on-court chemistry was highly commendable. However, the two never were really close off the court. “It wasn’t what you saw on the court. We always will have that respect for each other, but our friendship is not where people see it on TV,” Pippen revealed on GMA.
Things took a bitter turn when the documentary, The Last Dance, was released. Pippen felt the whole documentary revolved around MJ, with the other Chicago Bulls teammates being left unrepresented.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch the story | Only 11% of Americans Get the Job That Michael Jordan Was Advised to Take by His School Principal