LeBron James is gaining an edge over Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate, but the reasoning behind it is questionable. The focus should shift to how the GOAT should be determined rather than just longevity.
Key points
LeBron James is gaining an edge in the GOAT debate.
The reasoning behind this edge is considered flawed.
The focus should be on how the GOAT should be decided.
Longevity is a key factor in the current discussions.
LeBron JamesMichael JordanNBA
LeBron gains edge over Jordan in GOAT debate for wrong reason
Now is a good time to revisit the NBA’s GOAT debate. But for the moment, let’s forget about who the GOAT is and focus on how it should be decided.
There are probably a lot of formulas out there, maybe some involving who starred in the best Space Jam movie. But the latest idea is a sham.
Talking about longevity. Talking about LeBron James. Talking about a potential shift.
James is a wonder at 41. Throwing down reverse windmill dunks. Leading the shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers to a 2-0 lead over the Houston Rockets in their first-round playoff series. And who knows what’s next when James and the Lakers take on the Rockets in Game 3, which tips off at 8 p.m. ET Friday, April 24 in Houston.
It is incredible to see James playing at such a high level in his 23rd season in the NBA. But biblically speaking, would Methuselah have edge in a GOAT debate because he lived to be 969?
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Q&A
Why is LeBron James gaining an edge over Michael Jordan in the GOAT debate?
LeBron is gaining an edge primarily due to discussions around longevity in his career, but the reasoning is considered flawed.
What factors should be considered in the NBA GOAT debate?
The debate should focus on a variety of factors, including individual performance, championships, and overall impact on the game, rather than just longevity.
How does longevity influence the GOAT debate in basketball?
Longevity can influence the GOAT debate by showcasing a player's sustained performance over time, but it should not be the sole criterion for determining greatness.
What is the current state of the NBA GOAT debate?
The current state of the NBA GOAT debate is revisiting the criteria for determining the greatest player, with LeBron and Jordan as central figures.
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Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
1 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
1 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
2 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
3 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
4 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
5 / 5
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
Of course not.
Sports wise, Kazuyoshi "Kazu" Miura of Japan is reportedly the older professional soccer player in the world at 56. But does that earn him GOAT status over Messi, Ronaldo or Pele?
Never.
Simply put, a GOAT debate should not hinge on longevity.
Do the math
The GOAT debate should hinge on efficiency.
For those of you who think the NBA’s GOAT is Bill Russell, or Kobe Bryant or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, take your debate elsewhere. For this efficiency exercise, it’s LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan.
Clearly, James is playing better at 41 than Jordan was when was 40 and playing with the Washington Wizards. But back to efficiency.
Jordan played 15 seasons and won six titles. That’s a title for every 2.5 years in the league.
James has played 22 full seasons and won four titles. That’s a title for every 5.5 years the league.
James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a function of greatness, but also longevity. Back to efficiency.
Jordan led the league in scoring in 10 of his 15 seasons (once every 1.5 seasons). James led the league in scoring once during his 23 seasons (once every 23 years/.)
Jordan averaged 30.1 points in the regular season and 33.4 points per game in the playoffs.
Without getting muddled by math, James holds the edge in career averages for rebounds and assists. Jordan holds the advantage for steals.
James has been voted to the NBA All-Defensive First Team five times (once for every 4.6 years played.) Jordan was voted to the team nine teams (once for every 1.7 years played.)
James deserves standing ovations for his performance at 41.
