The GOAT debate has been an ongoing argument for as long as anyone can remember. While the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson, among others, are brought up in the conversation. However, only two names are considered to be the frontrunners for the prestigious title – Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
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For the past many years, MJ was miles ahead of the King. However, with Bron approaching the #1 spot on the all-time scoring leaderboard, the argument has become tougher than ever before.
Also Read: LeBron James Cites Kevin Durant the Foremost Threat to His Inevitable Scoring Record
Over the past few years, both fanbases have unearthed the most random of stats that favor their pick.
Recently, a stat was discovered that compared His Airness’ insane rebounding skills to the King’s. And to be honest, it is pretty impressive.
Michael Jordan has more offensive rebounds than LeBron James in fewer games
Michael Jordan is often lauded for his shooting, defense, and drive-ins, among many other skills. However, the one attribute that is generally overlooked is his rebounding.
Over a span of 1,072 regular season games, Air Jordan recorded 1,668 offensive rebounds.
To put it into perspective, LBJ has lodged merely 1,637 offensive rebounds in 325 more games than MJ while being 3 inches taller.
6’9″ Lebron James has played 1,397 regular season games in 20 seasons, and has accumulated 1,637 offensive rebounds in those games.
That’s still 31 fewer offensive rebounds than 6’6″ Michael Jordan grabbed in 325 fewer games, in an era dominated by centers and power forwards. pic.twitter.com/HRA7G9XfMH
— AirJordans23 (@AirJordans2323) January 12, 2023
As soon as the stat went viral on social media, NBA Twitter blew up with reactions.
And Michael Jordan played his whole career in a time where rebounds were earned. At least for a large portion of LeBron’s career, rebounds were still earned but no way the last maybe 5 years or so with that many rebounds being uncontested.
— Nick Allen (@nickallen824) January 12, 2023
Exactly. And conversely, the defensive rebounds Lebron has are juiced by teams no longer fighting for offensive rebounds. On top of that, he has a body like Karl Malone and a rebounding average like Pippen. Soft player, soft league.
— TeN (@N_200_zz) January 12, 2023
Best offensive rebounding guard of all time https://t.co/TqgrZLIeOl pic.twitter.com/YZjkPaFvwb
— LeWoy Smith Jr. (@lewoysmithjr) January 12, 2023
I have never seen this stat. Jesus! #MJ https://t.co/6mZ592QMeo
— Cory Sims (@CorySims7) January 12, 2023
MJ or LBJ – Who is the GOAT?
While Michael is showered with love for his mentality, ability to win, relentlessness, and insane dedication, LeBron is lauded for his durability, physicality, longevity, and versatility.
Both icons have some of the greatest resumes we’ve ever seen.
MJ with 14 All-Star appearances, 11 All-NBA selections, 10 scoring titles, 9 All-Defensive selections, a DPOY, 5 MVPs, 6 championships, and 6 Finals MVPs. Whereas, Bron has made 18 All-Star appearances, 18 All-NBA selections, 1 scoring title, 6 All-Defensive selections, 4 MVPs, 4 championships, and 4 Finals MVPs.
There is no right or wrong pick while choosing one out of the two for the infamous debate. However, we have to give LeBron James his credit when he manages to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s incredible 38,387 points mark in the near future.
Also Read: Michael Jordan revealed how Larry Legend showed him his place in his rookie season
