ESPN erroneously stated in an article comparing Lebron James to Michael Jordan that Lebron has had a superior start to his career when you compare the two players first 6 seasons. Since I am not an ESPN Insider I could not read the article, just the beginning which stated the above comment. I do not know if ESPN came to reality and only had an attention grabbing start to their article before coming to their senses, but it is clear Jordan has been superior to Lebron. Compare the statistics of the two players (note: Jordan's second season, in which he only played in 18 games due to injury, is excluded) Statistical leaders are bold.
Jordan averages first 6 seasons:
32.9 PPG, 6.35 RPG, 6.0 APG, 2.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 3.16 TO
52.5 FG% , 24.2 3P%, 84.8 FT%, 39.15 MPG
James averages first 6 seasons:
27.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 6.68 APG, 1.75 SPG, 0.85 BPG, 3.28 TO
46.9 FG%, 32.5 3P%, 73.8 FT%, 40.5 MPG
Clearly, Jordan holds the advantage thus far. He shot a much higher percentage from the field and charity stripe, scored more points, collected more steals and blocked shots, and committed fewer turnovers while playing fewer minutes (essentially doing more in less time). Expectedly, Lebron has more rebounds and assists and a slightly better assist/turnover ratio. He is also a better outside shooter. However, the rebound and shot blocking are an eye-opener. Jordan, a 6'6" guard, had more blocked shots and nearly as many rebounds as the 6'8" James, who is a forward. Lebron is an amazing player, a certain Hall of Famer, and will be mentioned with the greatest of all-time. But to think he has surpassed Jordan at this juncture in their careers is certainly incorrect.
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