Basketball fans continue to argue about who left a greater legacy in the NBA, Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Although Michael Jordan is widely recognized as a legendary basketball player, LeBron James has recently emerged as a serious contender. Their respective NBA scoring records provide a useful point of comparison.

My most recent data from September 2021 shows that Michael Jordan has the best career scoring average in NBA history, with an astounding 30.1 points per game. Jordan’s scoring skill was a major factor in his rise to basketball immortality, along with his countless awards and six NBA titles.

Conversely, LeBron James is renowned for his extraordinary flexibility and ability to affect many facets of the game. LeBron’s well-rounded style includes not just scoring but also playmaking, rebounding, and good defensive contributions, although his scoring average has not yet exceeded Jordan’s. His constancy and resilience have earned him much acclaim.

Both players will forever be remembered for their impact on the NBA, but whether one is considered the best depends on which set of criteria is employed. It’s worth noting that any evaluation of LeBron James relative to these two icons is subjective and liable to change as his career progresses.

Since my last update was in September 2021, LeBron James may have made even more progress in his career since then, so I advise examining the most recent NBA statistics and records to acquire the most up-to-date information on their ranks and legacies.