Stephen A. Smith was NOT prepared for Kai Cenat 😭 "When it comes to LeBron James, you start hating. That's how I feel. Because I feel like you're more of an older generation type of dude."

1. Longevity & Era Differences LeBron has dominated across three different decades, adapting to different playstyles. The NBA today is faster, more skilled, and analytics-driven, making it harder to dominate. Jordan played in a slower, more physical era but benefited from less three-point shooting and weaker defensive spacing. LeBron has excelled in both the hand-checking era and the modern era, showing his adaptability. LeBron faced rule changes that favor offense, but also more athletic and skilled players compared to Jordan's era. Positionless basketball is more common now, making LeBron’s versatility even more valuable. Jordan’s era had weaker defensive schemes (limited switching, less three-point defense), which made it easier for him to dominate one-on-one. LeBron's dominance in Year 21 is unmatched in NBA history—Jordan was not close to MVP level at the same age. (top 5 in mvp voting rn) LeBron played against a wider variety of playing styles due to era changes with the 3 pt shot changing due to a top 10 player of all time who he faced his whole career up to now... steph curry and maybe kevin durant The evolution of sports science and training methods makes LeBron’s sustained dominance even more impressive. individual players like steph, kd, russ, harden, kawhi, klay, iguodala, tim duncan, dame, a better kobe bryant than jordan faced, prime paul pierce, prime pg-13, D wade, Dirk, CP3, Jimmy butler, Carmelo anthony, Jokic,Harden, and giannis AND SO MANY MORE OF THIS GENERATION RN WHO HE IS DESTROYING AS WE SPEAK. (jordans generation was only better/tougher than at least 2 or 3 on this list Jordans rivals/opponents were not as good as the opponents today allowing him to thrive. His enemies included Karl Malone,charles barkley, clyde drexler, patrick ewing, isaiah thomas, larry bird, magic johnson. Only reason these guys seemed overly tough were because they were all big men (except for isaiah thomas) 2. Competition Level LeBron’s Finals Opponents: Tim Duncan & Spurs (dynasty), Kevin Durant Warriors (dynasty), Steph Curry & Warriors (dynasty), Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks,Big 3 Celtics, etc. Jordan’s Finals Opponents: Jazz (twice), Sonics, Suns, Blazers, and an aging Lakers team in 1991. (None of these teams where better than the teams lebron faced in finals except 2020 miami heat who DEFEATED THE RED HOT CELTICS, but think about the journey to the finals if you want to use that as an excuse: Prime Dame,Prime Harden, and Jokic ) LeBron faced all-time great superteams, while Jordan often had the best roster in his matchups. Jordan never faced a team like the 2015-2018 Warriors (73-9 team adding KD) Instead lebron faced and beat those teams with minimal help of Kyrie and K Love. LeBron had to beat teams built specifically to stop him (Spurs’ defensive schemes, Warriors’ dynasty with KD). Jordan’s Eastern Conference was weak compared to LeBron’s era—LeBron had to battle the Celtics' Big 3, Pacers, Raptors, Heat, and Warriors in the Finals. LeBron faced more All-NBA level players in the playoffs than Jordan. The international talent pool is much stronger in LeBron’s era, increasing overall competition. The three-point revolution made it harder to dominate inside like Jordan did. Defensive matchups are tougher now due to switch-heavy schemes compared to Jordan’s era .Only reason that Jordan's opponents could possibly have more HOFers is because they are old…. Lebron was robbed of a DPOY in 2013, considering how good of a defender he was, this proves how tougher the defenders are now. 7 footers then were serious busts. 3. The "6-0" vs. "4-10" Finals Argument Jordan went 6-0, but people ignore the years he wasn’t even making the Finals. Lost to Larry Bird’s Celtics (3 times) in the first round. Got bounced by the Bad Boy Pistons (3 times) before he finally broke through. Never made the Finals without Scottie Pippen. LeBron made 10 Finals, showing consistent dominance besides in the finals. Better to make 10 Finals than to lose earlier in the playoffs. Carried teams with weaker rosters further than Jordan ever did (2007 Cavs, 2018 Cavs). Jordan quit twice while LeBron kept competing through his ups and downs. Jordan’s Wizards years prove he wasn’t undefeated—he simply didn’t make the playoffs. If Finals record was everything, Bill Russell (11-1) would be the GOAT, not Jordan. 4. Individual Scoring & All-Around Play LeBron is the all-time leading scorer (surpassing Kareem). More efficient scorer (better FG% than MJ). Better passer than Jordan (top 5 in all-time assists for a non-guard). Better rebounder (plays ALL positions). More versatile defender (guarded 1-5, played different defensive roles throughout career). Jordan was an elite scorer but didn’t have LeBron’s playmaking ability or rebounding or long range shooting. LeBron has more career triple-doubles than Jordan—proving he contributes in all aspects of the game. LeBron has won games with scoring, passing, and defensive plays—Jordan mainly with scoring. LeBron’s ability to score at all three levels (paint, mid-range, three-point) makes him more complete than Jordan. LeBron’s longevity allows him to have more 30,000+ point, 10,000+ assist, and 10,000+ rebound seasons. Lebron is higher than jordan in main categories, (1 points, 4 assists, 26 rebounds while MJ isn't even top 50 with current players with shorter seasons having more than him) Just look at him.... Bron is Stronger, Faster, and more athletic to follow along with one if not the greatest basketball minds of all time LeBron is more Durable then MJ even rn, any injury rn is most likely due to age in which rn he is still dunking on extreme shot blockers to this day proving his dominance. 5. Supporting Cast & Coaching Jordan had Phil Jackson (GOAT coach) for all six rings. LeBron won with multiple different coaches (Ty Lue, Spoelstra, Vogel, etc.) and different playstyles, while MJ had the greatest coach of all time Jordan had Pippen (top 50 player ever) his whole career, while LeBron carried teams with less help (2007 Cavs, 2018 Cavs). LeBron had to face dynasty teams (Warriors, Spurs,) while Jordan mostly faced weaker Finals opponents. LeBron’s teammates have been injured more often (2015 Finals—no Kyrie or Love, 2021 Lakers—AD hurt, etc.). Jordan never won a championship without Pippen and a deep supporting cast. LeBron won in different systems, while Jordan only succeeded in Phil Jackson’s triangle offense. LeBron elevated multiple role players to career-best seasons (Mo Williams, J.R. Smith, or even AR-15 rn.). Jordan’s Bulls never had to form a superteam to win championships, while LeBron had to counteract dynasty teams. LeBron won with multiple teams, proving his success wasn’t system-based. Currently as of 3/3/25 lebron is top 5 in mvp voting at 40 years. Conclusion LeBron has more longevity, better all-around stats, and tougher competition. Jordan’s 6-0 Finals record ignores his early failures and strong supporting cast. LeBron has been the face of the NBA for two decades, constantly evolving and improving. He is the true GOAT, with records, versatility, and dominance over a longer period than any player in history. If rings were all that mattered, Bill Russell would be the GOAT—LeBron's complete game makes him the best ever.