NBA Winners

Lebron James vs Michael Jordan – From Ages 22-35

August 1, 2024

LeBron James and Michael Jordan are often compared when discussing the greatest basketball players of all time.

Both have had storied careers filled with million dollar contracts, records, and unforgettable buzzer beaters.

Let’s check out and compare their careers, focusing on their performance from ages 22 to 35, highlighting key statistics and achievements.

Early Career and Development

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan entered the NBA in 1984 as the third overall pick by the Chicago Bulls.

By age 22, Jordan had begun to make his mark. Known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and ruthless nature, Jordan fast became a dominant force.

His rookie season saw him average 28.2 points per game, setting the stage for his future path towards being the GOAT.

LeBron James

LeBron James, often referred to as “The King,” entered the NBA straight out of high school in 2003 as the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

By age 22, LeBron was already an All-Star and one of the league’s top players. Known for his athleticism, basketball IQ, and physical gifts, LeBron’s early career was marked by rapid development.

Jordan vs Lebron – Prime Years: Ages 22-35

Both GOAT contenders enjoyed legendary success during their prime years.

Below is a statistical comparison of their performance from ages 22 to 35, covering points per game (PPG), assists per game (APG), rebounds per game (RPG), blocks per game (BPG), and steals per game (SPG).

Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
22	PPG	27.3	28.2
	APG	6.0	5.9
	RPG	6.7	6.5
	BPG	0.7	1.5
	SPG	1.6	2.4
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
23	PPG	27.3	37.1
	APG	6.7	4.6
	RPG	6.0	5.2
	BPG	0.6	1.5
	SPG	1.6	2.9
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
24	PPG	30.0	35.0
	APG	7.2	6.0
	RPG	7.9	5.5
	BPG	1.1	1.0
	SPG	1.7	2.7
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
25	PPG	28.4	32.6
	APG	7.2	6.3
	RPG	7.6	6.7
	BPG	1.0	0.8
	SPG	1.6	2.8
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
26	PPG	29.7	33.6
	APG	7.3	6.9
	RPG	8.4	6.9
	BPG	0.9	1.0
	SPG	1.6	2.8
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
27	PPG	27.1	31.5
	APG	6.2	5.5
	RPG	7.9	6.0
	BPG	0.8	0.9
	SPG	1.7	2.7
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
28	PPG	27.5	30.1
	APG	6.9	6.1
	RPG	8.6	6.4
	BPG	0.6	0.8
	SPG	1.6	2.8
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
29	PPG	27.1	32.2
	APG	6.3	5.9
	RPG	8.1	6.6
	BPG	0.6	0.8
	SPG	1.6	2.3
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
30	PPG	25.3	30.4
	APG	7.4	6.1
	RPG	6.0	6.6
	BPG	0.6	0.8
	SPG	1.4	2.3
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
31	PPG	26.4	29.6
	APG	8.7	5.9
	RPG	8.6	6.1
	BPG	0.9	0.8
	SPG	1.4	2.1
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
32	PPG	27.5	28.7
	APG	9.0	4.3
	RPG	8.3	5.8
	BPG	0.6	0.5
	SPG	1.2	1.7
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
33	PPG	27.4	28.7
	APG	8.6	3.5
	RPG	8.5	5.3
	BPG	0.6	0.5
	SPG	1.3	1.7
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
34	PPG	25.3	30.1
	APG	7.8	4.3
	RPG	8.0	6.0
	BPG	0.6	0.5
	SPG	1.2	1.8
Age	Stats	LeBron	Jordan
35	PPG	25.0	28.7
	APG	10.2	3.8
	RPG	7.8	5.9
	BPG	0.5	0.5
	SPG	1.1	1.5

Jordan vs LeBron – Statistical Highlights

Scoring

Michael Jordan’s scoring ability is legendary. His highest scoring average during these prime years was 37.1 PPG at age 23. Jordan’s scoring dipped slightly later in his career but remained formidable, consistently averaging around 30 PPG.

LeBron James, while also an elite scorer, had a more varied contribution across the board.

His highest PPG during these years was 30.0 at age 24.

Assists and Playmaking

LeBron James is often lauded for his playmaking ability. His assists per game increased as his career progressed, reaching a peak of 10.2 APG at age 35.

Jordan, while also a capable passer, averaged fewer assists, focusing more on scoring and less on facilitating.

Rebounding

In terms of rebounds per game, LeBron outperformed Jordan. LeBron’s highest RPG was 8.6 at ages 27 and 31, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly on the boards.

Jordan’s RPG was lower, peaking at 6.9 at age 26, reflecting his role as a guard compared to LeBron’s forward position.