Former LeBron James Teammate Reveals What Lakers Star Did Twice that Michael Jordan Couldn't Do Once
Former LeBron James Teammate Reveals What Lakers Star Did Twice that Michael Jordan Couldn't Do Once originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two of the greatest players in NBA history. The basketball icons have combined to win nine MVPs, 10 championships and 10 NBA Finals MVPs.
Advertisement
Jordan won five MVPs, six titles and six NBA Finals MVPs with the Chicago Bulls in the '90s, while James is a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time NBA Finals MVP. He has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) debate between Jordan and James is one of the most discussed topics in basketball discourse. One of James' former teammates recently said he's going with The King over Jordan every time because he thinks James did something twice that Jordan couldn't do once.
One of LeBron James' former teammates is going with The King (left) over Michael Jordan. © David Richard-Imagn Images
Shane Battier, who won two championships with James in Miami, doesn't think Jordan could have won two rings with him as his starting power forward.
Advertisement
"LeBron did something twice that Jordan I don't think could have done once," Battier said on the YouTube show "Pablo Torre Finds Out." "He won two NBA titles with Shane Battier as his starting power forward. No way, no way Jordan could have done that.
"As great as Jordan was, LeBron dragged me across the finish line."
James and Battier helped the Heat win titles in 2012 and 2013. James won back-to-back MVPs and NBA Finals MVPs with Miami.
While Battier is clearly being self-deprecating in his take, he is only half right about being the Heat's starting forward. He started every game of the 2012 NBA Finals but did not crack the starting lineup in any of the Heat's 2013 playoff games.
Advertisement
Jordan, who went 6-0 in the NBA Finals, is first in NBA history in points per game in the regular season and postseason. He has also scored the most points (63) in a playoff game.
James, who is 4-6 in the NBA Finals, is first in NBA history in points. He's the only player ever to rank top five all-time in points and assists.
The GOAT debate between Jordan and James likely will never end, but Battier is going with James because the future Hall of Famer helped him win two rings.
Related: Blockbuster Four-Team NBA Trade Idea Lands Lakers Two New Key Players
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indianapolis Star
27 minutes ago
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin speaks ahead of Game 4
The Indiana Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous Tyrese Haliburton discusses the Pacers' Game 3 win over the Thunder Andrew Nembhard discusses the Pacers' Game 3 win over the Thunder Aaron Nesmith discusses the Pacers' Game 3 win over the Thunder. Aaron Nesmith discusses preparations for Game 3 of the NBA Finals
USA Today
35 minutes ago
- USA Today
Possible Lakers target Clint Capela expected to leave Hawks
Possible Lakers target Clint Capela expected to leave Hawks The Los Angeles Lakers will likely leave no stone unturned in their quest to upgrade at the center position this summer. In addition to turning to the trade market for help, they could also possibly find a serviceable center in free agency. Unless LeBron James unexpectedly opts out of his contract and signs a new one while taking a reasonable pay cut, the Lakers will only have the taxpayer mid-level exception of roughly $5.7 million to use, other than the veteran's minimum salary, to offer prospective free agents. One insider said that Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks is "expected to sit pretty high" on L.A.'s list of players to go after. According to Jake Fischer, another insider, Capela is expected to leave Atlanta this summer. "Rival teams have projected the Hawks as targeting big men with whatever draft slots they ultimately operate from," wrote Fischer. "After years of dangling Clint Capela on the trade block, Capela is finally expected to depart Atlanta via free agency this season, sources say. So the Hawks appear poised to have an opening for a center." The Hawks have been trying to overcome mediocrity for some time now. In seven seasons with four-time All-Star guard Trae Young, they have made the playoffs just three times and made it past the first round only once. This season, they finished with a 40-42 record, putting them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, and they lost both of their play-in tournament games to the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. Capela, who recently turned 31 years of age, may not be as athletic as he was several years ago. But he is still a solid lob threat and shot-blocker, and he averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 21.4 minutes a game while shooting 55.9% from the field.
Indianapolis Star
an hour ago
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith speaks ahead of Game 4
The Indiana Pacers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous
