Frankly speaking, there is no point in comparing players from different eras because even with the advancements in technology. Not even decades from now, we would be able to prove how LeBron James would have done in the earlier eras or how Michael Jordan would do in his.
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However, one thing is certain. MJ would not be as big a superstar as he was back in the day. For all the things ‘His Airness’ did off-the-court, let alone the GOAT tag, he would be crucified by social media even after winning multiple championships.
LeBron, in this era, might have not been as successful as Mike despite the alleged “easier basketball” and having a longer career than the Bulls legend. But imagine what he would do to the NBA of the 80s and the 90s if 6ft 9’, 220-pound Larry Bird dominated it for fun.
That is what Gilbert Arenas is pointing towards.
Gilbert Arenas thinks Michael Jordan would not be the same today, but LeBron James would tear the league in previous eras
Former Washington Wizards guard and one of the NBA’s biggest “What Ifs,” Gilbert Arenas is often bold with his takes. Most times he doesn’t make sense to fans and experts alike.
Recently, in a recent “I Am Athlete” podcast appearance, on being asked about how MJ and James would do if their eras were switched, the 3x All-Star had a very similar moment.
“Michael Jordan’s personality, the way he lived his life, he would not be perfect like LeBron James is,” said Gilbert Arenas while also saying in just basketball terms, MJ would dominate this league.
Arenas also said that somebody like LeBron, at 6 feet 9 inches tall, 260–270 pounds, coming down the court, would have been unstoppable in all the previous eras, because most of the dominant guys of that era weighed just 210–220 pounds.
Why wouldn’t Jordan be an ideal role model today?
Just for his gambling addictions, Michael Jordan would be a bigger villain than Kyrie Irving in today’s era of social media where there’s no chance for somebody to even hide their affairs. That too without the woman you’re involved with, coming out in public with it.
And then there was his “Repulbicans buy sneakers, too” thing. Imagine if LeBron said it during the Nike-China controversy. The radical left would have eaten him alive.
All in all, Gilbert was right about one thing, it would have been difficult for Jordan to be as big a hero as he was back then.
