Michael Jordan and LeBron James will dominate the greatest of all time (GOAT) debate for decades to come.
Unfortunately, the NBA legends played in different eras and never got the chance to play against each other.
LeBron and MJ’s paths haven’t crossed all that oftenGetty
But in the age of virtual reality and video games, a 1-on-1 match-up between ‘Air Jordan’ and ‘King James’ is no longer the stuff of fantasy.
Using NBA 2K24’s Blacktop simulation game mode, YouTube channel Retro Sports Sims has pitted two of basketball’s greatest icons against one another.
The first-to-21 game is a back-and-forth contest that sees both stars going point-for-point throughout.
Jordan‘s early points come from his signature fadeaways and mid-range shots, while LeBron’s come from bully-ball and backing down his opponent in the post.
The Chicago Bulls great jumps out to a 7-4 lead but James is able to stay within touching distance with a series of low post moves and layups around the basket.
Jordan has to work harder for his buckets, relying on his speed and athleticism to blow by the more physically imposing James.
Still, the ten-time scoring champion is able to make many of the slam dunks that made him a cultural icon in the ’90s, comfortably leading 11-6 at one stage.
However, LeBron‘s size and weight (6ft 9in, 250 lbs) compared to Jordan’s slender frame (6ft 6in, 216 lbs) eventually begins to pay dividends, particularly on the defensive end.
The Los Angeles Lakers icon’s rebounding ability is a major factor in the match-up, enabling him to get easier defensive stops and second-chance points off his own misses.
The four-time champion gradually claws his way back into the game, cutting MJ’s lead to four.
YouTuber Retro Sports Sims simulated a 1-on-1 matchp between the GOATSYouTube@RetroSportsSims
Jordan had an early lead and was unstoppable on offenseYouTube@RetroSportsSims
Jordan continues to be an unsolvable puzzle on offense, though, steadily putting up numbers on the board and demonstrating the assassin-like mentality that made him 6-0 in NBA Finals.
He stretches his lead to 18-12 and the win looks all-but guaranteed.
However, LeBron refuses to roll over and goes back to the well that was serving him in the early stages, posting MJ up and using his size and strength to his advantage.
‘The King’ cuts the score to 16-19 before Jordan, like he so often did, comes up clutch by making two offensive rebounds and banking in the layup to put him within a point of victory.
James responds with a couple of huge defensive stops and a tough turnaround fadeaway to make it 19-20.
MJ then airballs a game-winning two-pointer before James grabs the rebound and tomahawk-slams it down to make it a tie game, with the winner needing a clear two-point lead.
Mike receives the ball at the top of the key and drives to the baseline where he misses a jump hook and the ensuing put back.
James grabs the rebound and drives towards the basket like a freight train to make the finger roll and take a 21-20 lead.
James eventually started using his strength and size to his advantage, backing down MJ in the post for easy basketsYouTube@RetroSportsSims
He refuses to be backed down on the next play and forces MJ to take a tough shot near the free throw line. James then grabs the rebound and runs towards the 3-point line before sizing up his defender, posting him up, and blowing by him for the uncontested, game-winning one-handed dunk.
James pulls off the remarkable come-from-behind victory, winning 22-20.
Jordan finished with 20 points, 27 rebounds, three steals and one block while shooting 20-of-50, all from two-point range.
LeBron, meanwhile, had 22 points, 29 rebounds, one steal and zero blocks, while going 22-of-49 from the field.
James was able to mount a comeback and win, 22-20YouTube@RetroSportsSims
Neither player made — or even attempted — a 3-point shot, and Jordan had 12 dunks to James’ four.
However, James had more points in the paint, second chance points, and defensive rebounds, which was where the game was ultimately won.
The game’s outcome obviously won’t change any records, but it is a fun way of seeing what might happen if the two GOATs actually went head-to-head in their primes.
For many, Jordan remains the greatest of all time, but 39-year-old James, about to enter his 22nd season in the NBA, is slowly closing the gap.
The Athletic recently conducted an anonymous NBA player poll revealing that 45.9 per cent of current players think Jordan is the GOAT compared to 42.1 per cent in favour of James.
It’s only natural to have a favorite, but when all is said and done MJ and LeBron will be 1A and 1B in the GOAT discussion, whichever way you have it.
