LeBron James has passed Michael Jordan to move into fourth position on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Compare the numbers, accolades and achievements of two of the game’s greatest players then cast your vote for who’s best.
Different eras, different circumstances and different rules make it impossible to produce a definitive answer when it comes to separating LeBron James and Michael Jordan.
NBA All-Time Scoring Leaders
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 38,387 points (1,560 games)
Karl Malone – 36,928 points (1,476 games)
Kobe Bryant – 33,643 points (1,346 games)
LeBron James – 32,311 points (1,190 games)
Michael Jordan – 32,292 points (1,072 games)
Both men dominated the NBA in their respective primes yet did so in contrasting styles – Jordan the relentless scorer with the maniacal competitive streak, James the heady playmaker who packs a scoring punch.
Every NBA fan has their pick when asked which of the iconic duo is best. After James passed Jordan on the NBA All-Time scoring list, it’s time to lay out the accolades, achievements, statistical landmarks and title wins and tell us your choice: James or Jordan?
Relive the duo’s illustrious careers below then cast your vote in the poll at the foot of the article.
Tale of the tape
Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards)
Hall of Fame inductee, six-time NBA champion, six-time NBA Finals MVP, five-time regular season MVP, 14-time All-Star, three-time All-Star Game MVP, 10-time regular season scoring leader, three-time season steals leader, Defensive Player of the Year (1987-88), Rookie of the Year (1984-85), 11-time All-NBA team, nine-time All-Defensive team
LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers)
Three-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, four-time regular season MVP, 15-time All-Star, three-time All-Star Game MVP, regular season scoring leader (2007-08), Rookie of the Year (2004-05), 14-time All-NBA team, six-time All-Defensive team
