Michael Jordan vs LeBron James: The 15-Year Comparison That Could End The GOAT Debate

#5 Team defense

The signature play of LeBron's career

LeBron James at his peak in Miami was a terrifying defender. He had the basketball awareness to act as a safety net whenever a player blew by, and he's always been a terrific help defender. A fully engaged LeBron is still a great defender today, particularly because of his intuitive understanding of how a play is going to unravel and what he can do to intervene.

Most of his blocks have come as a help-side defender in the manner of a traditional center, and he's also a tough shot-contester - although not elite by today's standards.

Michael Jordan, being a perimeter player, was less engaged inside the paint or as a weakside defender. He was an untiring machine, however, and he was one of those guys who never gave up on a play, whether it be in transition defense or in the half-court set.

His career tally of 893 blocks is the highest for any guard, although Dwyane Wade could overtake that total in the next season. Jordan was adept at playing passing lanes for steals as well, and that is part of the reason why he became a 9-time selection to the NBA's First Team All-Defense.

Edge: It's a wash