One of the most remarkable aspects of the record-breaking ESPN documentary “The Last Dance” is that LeBron James would shoot to the top of nationally trending topics, even though the enthralling documentary centered around Michael Jordan.
King James, 35, who has been the face of the NBA and its best player for the past decade, has been getting slammed by fanatical MJ followers who either despise the Los Angeles Lakers forward or are convinced that Jordan was a much better player than James.
More than 6 million people have tuned in during the five weeks that “The Last Dance” aired on ESPN, further cementing, if not enhancing, Jordan’s place in sports and pop culture.
The sentiments exemplified by many MJ fans were probably best summarized by the following Twitter post — written by one of the thousands of fans who have flooded social media since the last episode of the 10-part docuseries aired on Sunday, May 17:
https://twitter.com/_JasonLT/status/1262389113317142529
Never compare LeBron’s competition to Michael Jordan. It’s not even close! pic.twitter.com/Ul7NFaQSLu
— AHMAD K SMITH (@AKISNBA) May 18, 2020
Another noted that ESPN was “trolling” LeBron fans about the two NBA legends’ looks. ESPN’s “First Take” announced that its poll found that NBA fans preferred Jordan over James by a 2-to-1 margin:
https://twitter.com/Hou5ton4L/status/1262260183524311040
Check out a sampling of the Twitter posts, with most denouncing King James, while some stood up to defend him.
For rings, look at Bill Russell.
For stats, look at LeBron.
For MVPs, look at Kareem.
For records, look at Wilt.
For dominance, look at Shaq.
For dunks, look at Vince.
For intensity, look at Kobe.For all of it, look at MJ.
HT: @MJsGOAT #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/bQjDhr39gn
— Matt Smethurst (@MattSmethurst) May 18, 2020
This is far less a dig about LeBron and far more about Michael Jordan, but The Last Dance has undoubtedly widened the gap between the two – particularly for the younger generation… MJ is the greatest. Here we are, 22 years later, and his star shines brighter than ever.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 18, 2020
Michael Jordan averaged 33.7 points in Game 7s.
That is the second-most all-time among players to play in at least 3 Game 7s.
LeBron James is the only player to have averaged more.#TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/5qSj7Q5zoR
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 18, 2020
This is how much people hate Lebron. It’s mental illness pic.twitter.com/f1Rm6wjy5P
— AC Tatum (@actatumonline) May 18, 2020
I'm not debating against Michael Jordan being the GOAT, but let's be real. It isn't this big of a landslide. This quarantine and doc must've given fans amnesia.
LeBron's a better offensive player, passer, clutch performer (more than just GW shots), and positive impact off court. https://t.co/63kZwdT4hh
— GOWIE (@DaKidGowie) May 18, 2020
