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“It’s a lot easier to make Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant better” – Rookie LeBron James implied Michael Jordan had more help than him

Posted on October 31, 2024 - 8:40 am by

LeBron James took the NBA by storm as soon as he entered the league. But like any other rookie, the Akron native also faced difficulties helping his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, win games.

In 2003, the Cavs were the worst squad in the NBA, but they almost made it to the playoffs with James leading the charge. However, many were still not impressed as they alluded to the narrative that Michael Jordan did way better during his early years in the NBA.

Having grown tired of being slighted, LeBron killed that notion with a profound response.

“It’s a lot easier to make Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant better. I’ve got to make DeSagana Diop and Chris Mihm better,” James said.

What if MJ was in Bron’s shoes?

The early comparisons between Jordan and James eventually sparked numerous debates among fans, players, and analysts. While both legendary players were explosive, charismatic, and dominant, many still argued that “His Airness” could lead his team to victory, but LeBron couldn’t.



Under James’ leadership, Cleveland became a playoff team again but failed to win the NBA championship during his first stint there. The closest the Cavs got was in 2007, but they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals. This added another layer to the comparisons, with some mentioning how Jordan couldn’t get the Chicago Bulls past the second round in his first four seasons in the league.

Looking back, Gilbert Arenas went so far as to say Jordan wouldn’t have achieved what James achieved in Cleveland if he had been in Bron’s shoes.

“The reason I feel that LeBron James is the GOAT is because, during pressure times, he still makes the actual right decision versus what us fans in the public wants him to do. And that’s what separates him from Jordan, Kobe. Where if you give Jordan and Kobe those Cavs teams, they would’ve never made the playoffs, they wouldn’t make the championship because Jordan would’ve just averaged 60 and say the hell with it,” Arenas said.



The MJ vs. LeBron GOAT debate

Over the years, more talking points have been added to the everlasting Jordan vs. LeBron GOAT debate. Today, many are convinced that James has already surpassed MJ because of his longevity. Others, meanwhile, believe LeBron ended it when he became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

However, most old-timers still rub it in that James will never pass Jordan until he wins more than six NBA championships. But with the 39-year-old Bron still playing and displaying an unprecedented level of greatness for someone his age, that remains a possibility.