My approach to choosing a winner will be based on the degree of which LeBron can meet or exceed the multiple career accomplishments of Michael Jordan.
But, before I look to the future, I cannot help rewinding back to Michael’s first significant career accomplishment, which was winning an NCAA title. Obviously, that entry will forever be blank on LeBron’s résumé.
As NBA players, they are both multitalented and fun to watch. However, Michael’s games had higher TV ratings overall. And Michael always seemed to step on the court as if he was going to work. LeBron appears to step on the court as if he is going to play. If you put their amazing talents aside, Michael was the working man’s hero on the court that every kid wanted to emulate, whereas LeBron is every kid’s dream player who often annoys adults who see him as spoiled, overpaid and lacking maturity.
As far as personal accomplishments, my crystal basketball does not foresee LeBron winning six championships and the six MVP titles that go with them. LeBron will not average over 30 points per game in his career, and he will not lead the league in scoring 10 times. But he may appear in 14 All-Star games.
In business, LeBron may gain significant endorsements, but he does not appear to be heading down the path that will lead him to the NBA executive suite. Nor will he develop a logo that will surpass the Air Jordan symbol or come close to the success of that clothing line.
I have returned my crystal basketball to storage and it has helped me conclude that LeBron James will not come close to having a more accomplished career than Michael Jordan. But he sure is good!
–stefan roots
Congratulations to Stefan Roots of Pennsylvania, winner of ro’s “Will LeBron James have a more accomplished career than Michael Jordan?” essay contest. Thanks to all of the readers who submitted entries for ro’s essay contest, and who continue to support our brand.
