Is Lebron James Better than Michael Jordan? Laimbeer Sounds Off . . .

A big part of being a sports fan is the inevitable debate, the water cooler throwdowns that take place with other fans. Chief among these back and forth discourses is one, simple question—who’s the best to ever play the game? If you’re an NBA guy or gal, this query usually elicits a similar list of responses; Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, etc.

More recently, hoops fans and basketball experts alike are wont to narrow the field down to two names—MJ or LeBron. In a recent interview with Dan Patrick, former Detroit Pistons great Bill Laimbeer served up his opinion on the two. As is his standard, Laimbeer’s response has stirred up controversy.

“There’s no question I would take LeBron James, he can do more,” Laimbeer said. “Michael Jordan could score and make big shots and look spectacular at times with wild flying dunks, but LeBron can get you 18 rebounds, get you 15 assists or score 50 if he wants to.”

Laimbeer continued–

“Look at what LeBron has in the Finals right now. Could anybody else in the world have led this team of role players to the finals right now? I don’t think so. Jordan could not have led this team to the finals.”

Shots fired. I don’t know who gets it worse here, MJ or the Cleveland Cavaliers. Either way, Bill Laimbeer continues to stir up trouble in much the same manner as he did with the Bad Boy Pistons during the 80s and 90s.