[ThePundit]

I really think when LeBron's career is over, he will be considered the best basketball player of all time - even better than Michael Jordan. What about everyone else?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

I really think when LeBron's career is over, he will be considered the best basketball player of all time - even better than Michael Jordan. What about everyone else?

I think his career arc is on par with Jordan...I also believe that Oscar Robertson was on par with both...I don't see Lebron over shadowing Jordan in the future...at best he will be his equal.

[cjg11582]

Part of what made Jordan so successful is his competitive edge, we always hear stories about him getting a little over-zealous playing Monopoly, making rookies cry during a game of cards on a flight, etc. To succeed Jordan's legacy LeBron has too have that innate ruthless determination.
On the other hand, he does have a three year advantage on Jordan. So assuming he plays until he is 35, he has the potential to break Jabbar's all-time scoring record, Stockton's all-time steals record and whoever has the career record for triple-doubles. Albeit these statistical feats do not equate titles, but if he accomplished all of this and never won one, I could harldy consider his career a failure.
With that said, LeBron will win an NBA title before he is twenty-five, whether it is in Cleveland or somewhere else.

[MJHMarc]

Once LeBron James scores 100 points in a basketball game, I will start to consider him the best of all-time and compare him to the legendary, Wilt Chamberlain. As I always mention, it is very difficult to compare athletes from different time periods. Dwayne Wade and his crossover dribbles could probably swirve past Bill Russell who would not be use to that type of game-style. But then again, Dwayne Wade would be horrible playing "Old-Timers" basketball with the great George Mikan and Bill Russell.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

Once LeBron James scores 100 points in a basketball game, I will start to consider him the best of all-time and compare him to the legendary, Wilt Chamberlain. As I always mention, it is very difficult to compare athletes from different time periods. Dwayne Wade and his crossover dribbles could probably swirve past Bill Russell who would not be use to that type of game-style. But then again, Dwayne Wade would be horrible playing "Old-Timers" basketball with the great George Mikan and Bill Russell.

Great another Wilt fan...I do think that great palyers could adjsut to the different eras.

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

Once LeBron James scores 100 points in a basketball game, I will start to consider him the best of all-time and compare him to the legendary, Wilt Chamberlain. As I always mention, it is very difficult to compare athletes from different time periods. Dwayne Wade and his crossover dribbles could probably swirve past Bill Russell who would not be use to that type of game-style. But then again, Dwayne Wade would be horrible playing "Old-Timers" basketball with the great George Mikan and Bill Russell.

Maybe if they didn't have the 3 second rule like they did when Wilt played - Lebron would score 100 points. You're right, MJH you can't compare generations. But having said that, I would take Jordan, Jabbar and Russell over Wilt in a heartbeat.

[MJHMarc]

Wait a second there, ThePundit.

Even though Russell may have won all the rings, was he really the better player?

One other thing...

Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points without the existence of the 3-point line. I'd like to see LeBron James score 100 surpassing the long-range jumpers. When I see it, I'll believe it!

[Racquetball]

Mark Jackson said the same thing.

It is a tough call but I might have to agree. I can't believe what he has done since the very first game of his career scoring 25 points in his NBA debut.

Manny

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

Wait a second there, ThePundit.

Even though Russell may have won all the rings, was he really the better player?

One other thing...

Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points without the existence of the 3-point line. I'd like to see LeBron James score 100 surpassing the long-range jumpers. When I see it, I'll believe it!

I recently watched Game 7 of the 1969 Knicks-Lakes final. Chaimberlain should have scored his 100 against a crippled Willis Reed who was 7 inches shorter than Wilt, but often in the big game Wilt was a non-factor. Russell performed in the big game. Plus, Wilt was a worse free throw shooter than Shaq - he would just wing it at the basket. So that's why I think Russell was better.

[legend]

Does anyone think that if the roles were reversed, that Wilt Chamberlain would not have led the Celtics to just as many titles?
The game was played differently back in the day. Does anyone think that none of the players then weren't as athletic as today's? Running and jumping is running and jumping.
There has already been a LeBron James- he was named Elgin Baylor
And Jordan was also overzealous when it came to gambling!

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by legend

Does anyone think that if the roles were reversed, that Wilt Chamberlain would not have led the Celtics to just as many titles?
The game was played differently back in the day. Does anyone think that none of the players then weren't as athletic as today's? Running and jumping is running and jumping.
There has already been a LeBron James- he was named Elgin Baylor
And Jordan was also overzealous when it came to gambling!

Had Wilt played for the Celtics...there would be no discussion here...Russell was allowed to just play defense with a strong Celtic team...Wilt had to fill multiple roles on weaker teams

[MJHMarc]

I agree, Gotham Dark Knight.

Wilt Chamberlain was an all-around athlete who was an excellent blocker and dunker. He could resemble Shaquille O' Neal (of the 1990's) in some ways.

Bill Russell was limited to only his powerful blocking skills. I could easily compare him to Ben Wallace of the Pistons, who is great at defense but horrible at shooting.