Analyst and commentator Stephen A. Smith argues that Michael Jordan was a better scorer than LeBron James, despite what many people believe.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has always been a magnet for controversy. After all, the famous broadcaster has made a career out of stirring the pot. But his latest comments in the wake of LeBron James’ recent record-breaking feat may be his most controversial to date:
“The greatest scorer ever was Michael Jordan,” Smith said on First Take.
10-time scoring champ
In the Lakers’ recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron passed Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most points scored in league history. With a fadeaway jumper in the third quarter, LeBron shattered the previous record of 38.387—a mark that many thought would live on forever.
Although Smith gave LeBron his flowers, the feat didn’t compel him to move His Airness out of his lofty spot as basketball’s preeminent scorer.
“When you talk about an assassin or scorer, no, that’s going to be Michael Jordan. It’s been that way and it’s going to stay that way. And it’s just that simple,” said Smith in front of First Take’s live audience.
Smith’s argument isn’t without merit. After all, Jordan captured 10 scoring titles in his 15-year career, most of which he spent playing for the Chicago Bulls. Jordan finished his career averaging 30.1 points per game, while LeBron’s career average is only 27.2 points. The major difference between them has been longevity as the King has played in 1,410 games spanning 20 seasons, and Jordan played in only 1072 before retiring for good in 2003.