The debate over the greatest basketball player of all time often narrowed down to Michael Jordan and LeBron James, remains a heated topic among fans and critics. Recently, a former NBA player offered his perspective on this debate by pointing out a specific shortcoming in LeBron James’ game that solidified Michael Jordan’s status as the GOAT.

The former NBA player is none other than the great Muggsy Bogues. According to him, the main difference between LeBron and Jordan lies in the “killer instinct” that Jordan exhibited throughout his career. Bogues, who himself stood at 5’3″, argued that while LeBron is a remarkable all-around player, he lacks the intense drive to win that defined Jordan.

Bogues stated on the Adam Lupis podcast, “Skill-wise there’s no other than MJ, and Kobe was the 2nd coming of that and had that, and him being the 2.0 version MJ and being able to have that mindset, that same killer instinct mindset that MJ had that’s what separated him from a lot of guys,”

“LeBron James is one the greatest players to ever play this game, longevity-wise, and statistic-wise, but skill set I’ll always give it to Jordan. MJ was a killer, LeBron is nothing like him.“

Jordan’s “killer instinct” is reflected in his ability to perform exceptionally under pressure, especially during important playoff moments. His perfect 6-0 record in NBA Finals and six Finals MVP awards highlight his clutch performance. In contrast, despite his four championships, LeBron James has faced criticism for his 6 Finals losses.

The Never-Ending GOAT Debate Between Michael Jordan and LeBron James

LeBron James and Michael Jordan (Images Credit: Getty Images)
Statistically, both players have impressive careers. Michael Jordan averaged 30.1 points per game over 15 seasons, while LeBron James has averaged 27.0 points per game across a 21-season career. Jordan’s higher scoring efficiency and fewer seasons underscore his scoring prowess. Jordan’s six championships and five MVP awards contrast with LeBron’s four championships and four MVPs, adding another layer to the debate.

The debate about who is The Goat between Lebron James and Michael Jordan also touches on cultural impact and legacy. Jordan’s influence in the 1990s helped transform basketball into a global sport, and his “Air Jordan” brand became a symbol of excellence. While LeBron has significantly contributed to philanthropy and social justice, fans still feel nostalgic about Jordan’s era.

As Bogues put it, “He’s impacted the game more than ways you can ever imagine but we’re just talking between the [basketball] lines. [If we’re talking about] the skill set of a basketball player, there was no other like [Jordan]”.

Muggsy Bogues argues that LeBron James lacks the “killer instinct,” which is a big part of the GOAT debate. While LeBron’s skills and long career are impressive, Michael Jordan’s drive, defense, and perfect Finals record make a strong case for him being the greatest of all time. The debate between these two legends will continue, focusing on their different styles and legacies.