Michael Jordan and LeBron James, the two titans of basketball separated by generations but connected by greatness, have fueled endless comparisons. When James soared through the air for his iconic chase-down block in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, it wasn’t just about stopping Andre Iguodala – it was another chapter in basketball’s greatest debate. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan’s “Last Shot” over Bryon Russell in 1998 remains frozen in time, a moment that defined an era. But now a former NBA All-Star has sparked controversy through his bold claim.

During the recent episode of the ‘The Underground Lounge’ podcast, Gilbert Arenas clarified his view from almost a month back during an episode of ‘Above The Rim with DH 12‘ podcast that legendary players remain in today’s discussions primarily as measuring sticks to evaluate or diminish current stars. “I think a lot of people got mad at me when I said man Michael Jordan’s only relevant today is because everybody’s comparing them to LeBron,” said Arenas during the podcast.

Clearing his stance about his previous words, Arenas added, “You don’t bring up an older generation unless somebody’s playing with his legacy unless someone playing with his legacy. That’s why Michael Jordan’s name is being relevant so much is because anything that LeBron does today for you to discredit it, you need to bring up Michael Jordan.” 

The numbers indeed tell a compelling story. Jordan’s six championships in six Finals appearances, along with his 30.1 career scoring average, set a standard that seemed insurmountable. James, however, has crafted his own path to greatness: becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, making 10 Finals appearances across three decades, and winning championships with three different franchises. Moreover, James’ average stats of 14.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and 8.6 APG in the 2024 Paris Olympics are often compared to Jordan’s 1992 Dream Team performance where he scored an average of 14.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, and 4.8 APG.

Even Arenas was quick to point that out. “When we talk about USA, why we bringing up the 92 Dream team? Oh because Michael Jordan’s on the 92 Dream Team. So would want to keep, like that’s the reason why his name is really high now is because you are trying to save it from LeBron surpassing it, that’s all,” added Arenas.

The intertwining of their legacies goes beyond mere statistics. James grew up idolizing Jordan, wore his number 23, and even starred in “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” The sequel to 1996’s Jordan film. These connections have created a natural bridge between eras, keeping Jordan’s achievements relevant to modern audiences.

While James’s excellence has certainly kept Jordan’s achievements in constant discussion, reducing Jordan’s enduring legacy to mere comparison points oversimplifies his impact. Instead, their connected narratives have enriched basketball’s storytelling, giving fans across generations common ground for debate and appreciation. However, even though Arenas takes a small jab at Jordan here, there was a time when he had lauded the Chicago Bulls legend.

Gilbert Arenas praises one quality of Michael Jordan

Arenas, who was known for his scoring ability and outspoken personality, has always claimed himself a fan of His Airness, even though he has taken small jabs at him here and there. Once during a podcast, the former Washington Wizards players had praised Jordan’s athleticism and even compared him to other athletes of his era.

The 42-year-old stated that Jordan had exceptional physical qualities which included his strength and jumping ability. “Jordan is a 10, it’s like a car. All of Jordan’s competition in that era did not even have the physical tools to keep up with him. So he was basically a Bugatti, and everybody else was a Honda Civic. All the shooting guards were 6’4″, they had no jumping ability, so who he went against, they weren’t talented. Meaning they weren’t athletic enough to keep up with him,” said Arenas during the podcast.

It’s quite understandable why the former shooting guard said this. Throughout his career, Jordan won numerous accolades, including six championship rings and 14 All-Star appearances, which makes him superior to other players. Also, remember about his Flu Game in 1997? Despite suffering from food poisoning, he drove the Bulls to their fifth championship. This showed how fit and determined Jordan was compared to other players. Arenas’ praise serves as a reminder of the impact that Jordan had on the game and the lasting impression he left on those who witnessed his greatness.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.