Lebron vs Michael - The Early Stages

by Jason Shubnell

There are many arguments that Lebron James is the best player in the league..
That he is quickly becoming one of the best players ever..
And that he is already a better player and has accomplished more than Michael Jordan, at his age.

The first is understandable; the second is a bit premature; the third is just ridiculous.

Lebron is at an age that can determine much about how a player has developed, and how far he can go in the game of basketball. While very different, James and Jordan have accomplished much in their post-high school basketball careers, at this point in time.

Year-by-Year Comparison of Lebron & Michael

18: Jordan splashes his name on the college world, averaging thirteen points (on 53% shooting) and four rebounds to take home ACC Freshman of the Year, while sinking the game-winning shot in the National Title game.

19: James put up nearly twenty points (41%), six assists, and five rebounds, as he wins Rookie of the Year honors, after being selected #1 overall and signs a $90 million shoe contract.

Jordan increases his total to twenty points (53%) and five boards a game, taking North Carolina to the Sweet Sixteen and is named to first-team All-America.

20: James ups his totals to twenty-seven (47%), seven, and seven, while being named to his first All-Star team.

Jordan’s numbers slightly dip his junior season (55% shooting), but that doesn’t prevent him from sweeping the major college player of the year awards, including the AP and Wooden trophies. Jordan would also lead his Olympic team to a gold medal.

21: In a breakthrough season, James averages over thirty-one per game (48%), winning All-Star Game MVP, and advancing to second round of the playoffs, taking Detroit seven games.

Taken third overall, Jordan wins Rookie of the Year, while making the All-Star team and leading his team to the playoffs. In his first season as a pro, Jordan averages twenty-eight points (51%), six rebounds and nearly six assists.

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