In recent weeks, all of the NBA fans and media have been on the alert for the historic milestone that is about to be set by the great Lebron James. After surpassing Kareem Abdul Jabbar on the all-time scoring list in March last year, the Los Angeles Lakers power forward is about to mark the constantly growing record at 40K in the next couple of games, considering that on February 28, he was just 72 points shy of the considerable rounded number.
Lebron has been donning the deity status in the biggest basketball league in the world since a long ago, confirming he is the true contemporary of “Black Jesus” Michael Jordan from this generation of players. This is also a conveyer thought for all those G.O.A.T. maybe unnecessary debates, in comparing these two players, who marked two very different times, almost incomparable. People, understandably, like to compare numbers, stats, and titles, but as my Statistics University professor would say: “Dear colleague, the statistics can unbare a lot but almost reveal nothing!”
The total number of points scored by Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, had an impressive Hall of Fame career mainly spent with the Chicago Bulls. Though he never held the scoring record, he came close to it. With a total of 32,292 points, he currently ranks fifth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list behind Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and, of course, Lebron James.
Jordan’s scoring prowess is undeniable. He recorded ten scoring titles in his career, which is the most in NBA history. His ability to score points was unmatched, and he was a scoring machine throughout his career. He was also the oldest scoring champion, having achieved his last title at the age of 35. Lebron James, also considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, had an incredible career, but his scoring record is not as impressive as Jordan’s.
James was the scoring champion only once during his 2007/2008 championship run with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite this, he has achieved many other accolades in his career, including four NBA championships, four regular season MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals.
FAQs
On the other hand, James has scored more points than Jordan—or anybody else who ever played in the NBA. He has more assists and rebounds than Jordan and nearly as many steals.
Who has more points, LeBron or Jordan? ›
On the other hand, James has scored more points than Jordan—or anybody else who ever played in the NBA. He has more assists and rebounds than Jordan and nearly as many steals.
Who's the goat, LeBron or Jordan? ›
“All 30 teams had a voice.” When it comes to who the GOAT is, 133 players cast their vote in this year's poll. The Chicago Bulls great Jordan took the lead with 45.9% of the votes, while Los Angeles Lakers star James got 42.1%. This is the first time in the poll's history that Jordan has had this narrow of a lead.
Did LeBron James reach 40,000 points? ›
LeBron James has become the first NBA player to reach the 40,000-point milestone. We look back at the baskets that defined his journey, as told by the people who were there -- including King James himself.
How many points did Jordan score at 40? ›
When he was 40 years old, Michael Jordan posted his most points in a game against the New Jersey Nets on February 21, 2003, with 43 points.
Who is more athletic, LeBron or Jordan? ›
Compared to Jordan, Lebron is, “bigger, stronger, faster, more athletic, a better playmaker, finisher, 3 point shooter, and interior defender,” while Jordan only has “free throws, mid range, and perimeter defense,” said Lucas Bello '25. Lebron's physical build and structure is superior to Jordan's.
Who is better, LeBron or Jordan or Kobe? ›
Michael Jordan is still the greatest of all time—at least according to an anonymous group of NBA players. The Athletic surveyed 103 NBA players, 58.3 percent of whom said Jordan would top their overall rankings. LeBron James was second with 33 percent of the vote, while Kobe Bryant came in at 6.8 percent.
Who is the no. 1 scorer in NBA history? ›
The second chart is a progressive list of the leading all-time NBA scorers. LeBron James is the leading scorer in NBA history. LeBron James has scored the most career regular season points in NBA history.
Who is the best goat in NBA? ›
In an anonymous poll by The Athletic surveying 142 NBA players, results found that the majority consider Michael Jordan the greatest player of all time (GOAT). And for the third consecutive time.
Who is statistically the best NBA player? ›
LeBron James is the NBA's all-time scoring leader.
The previous youngest to score 20,000 points was Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who got there when he was 29 years, 122 days old. James was 28 years, 17 days on Wednesday. In the first quarter, James also found Dwyane Wade slicing down the lane for his 5,000th career assist.
How old was LeBron 10,000 points? ›
James returned from a first-half ankle injury to score 26 and become the youngest player in NBA history to reach 10,000 points. James reached the milestone at 23 years and 59 days, more than a year younger than Bryant was when he hit the milestone in 2003 (24 years, 193 days).
What is LeBron's career high? ›
LeBron James had his most points in a game versus the Charlotte Bobcats on March 3, 2014, with 61 points.
At what age did MJ retire? ›
Michael Jordan took an abrupt retirement from basketball in 1993 when he was only 30 years old. Just prior to his retirement, Jordan had just completed his three-peat of NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls.
How many 60 point games does Michael Jordan have? ›
Both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant recorded five games in their careers of 60 points or more. Kobe recorded 81, 65, 62, 61 and 60 points in regular season games. Michael Jordan recorded 69, 64, 63 (in playoffs), 61 and 61.
What is the most points Michael Jordan scored at 38 years old? ›
Michael Jordan has dropped the most points by a 38-year-old player in a game, with 51 points versus the Hornets on December 29, 2001.
Who has more 30 point games LeBron or Jordan? ›
That meant the 39-year-old moved past Michael Jordan for the most career 30-point games in NBA history with 672. James' critics will likely say this record is merely a function of his playing 21 seasons.
Who scored the most points vs Michael Jordan? ›
Dominique Wilkins has dropped the most points in a game versus Michael Jordan, with 57 points on December 10, 1986.
