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Topics: Michael Jordan, Lebron James, NBA, Basketball, LA Lakers, Chicago Bulls
There are few subjects that drive heated debate in the basketball world than whether LeBron James or Michael Jordan should be considered the greatest player of all time.
Some claim Jordan – who won six NBA titles and was named the league's Most Valuable Player five times – is the best to ever lace up a pair of sneakers and show out on the hardwood., while
Others say James – who is now 40 years old and still going strong in his 22nd season in the NBA – has taken Jordan's crown as the NBA GOAT for his sheer longevity, alongside his four titles and four MVPs.
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Fans will spend hours relaying stats and listing accolades as they argue in favour of their preferred NBA icon. But now YouTube channel Retro Sports Sims has provided another avenue through with the GOAT debate can be judged.
By utilising NBA 2K24's Blacktop simulation game mode, they pitted the two basketball legends against each other in the kind of one-v-one showdown that NBA fans' dreams are made of.
The winner was the first player to reach 21 points. The simulation shows James and Jordan going head-to-head on virtual outdoor court, with LeBron wearing a black T-shirt and shorts with red shoes, while MJ is dressed in all white.
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When the game starts, Jordan takes control, racing out to an early 11-6 lead.
But James – who is the more physically imposing player at 6ft 9ins and 250lbs to Jordans 6ft 6ins and 216lbs – gets back into the game by leaning into power. He reduces his deficit, cutting Jordan's lead to 15-11.
But Jordan – who, as well as being arguably the NBA GOAT, is also the richest basketball player ever – soon reasserts dominance. He extends his lead 18-12, putting him within three points of a win.
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James rallies again, though. The bigger player puts to use his supreme defensive skills to shackle Jordan before taking a 21-20 lead.
A two-point margin required to seal victory, though. James charges to the basket in typical style and lays in the game-winning bucket, claiming a 22-20 win.
The virtual head-to-head is unlikely to change the minds of fans entrenched on either side of the GOAT debate. It does, though, at least give us a glimpse of what it might have been like to see the two greats do battle in their primes.