LeBron James and Michael Jordan both played in the NBA until they were 40 – here’s the real GOAT ...Middle East

LeBron James is still close to his athletic prime as he turns 40-years-old.

Michael Jordan also celebrated his 40th birthday while still playing in the NBA.

But there’s only one GOAT when the late careers of both basketball superstars are compared.

“I think in the case of LeBron, there’s a mental aspect of it as well,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver, reacting to James turning 40.

“I think all of us know that, in addition to keeping in tip-top shape physically, he works a lot on his mind.

“And that ability, over having played that many years in the league, to stay motivated, to maintain a level of concentration, maintain a level of motivation … he’s amazing to watch.” 

Despite being The King of basketball, James will never be able to match Jordan’s perfect 6-0 record in the NBA Finals.

Yet MJ will never be able to play 22 seasons in The Association, or play on the Los Angeles Lakers with his son.

James also held a clear late-career statistical edge as he turned 40 on Monday.

James topped Jordan in average points, rebounds, assists, field-goal and 3-point percentage when both were playing at the same age.

James is also coming off a gold medal with Team USA in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, while his Lakers held an 18-13 record on his 40th birthday.

Jordan’s Washington Wizards were 25-27 when His Royal Airness turned 40.

“The details of winning matter to him (James),” Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said.

“I just wish that I could have had all of our young players watch him in the team meetings, every locker room and film session.

“Every franchise is saying the same thing: ‘You need to communicate. You need to be present in these sessions.’ And LeBron is not fatigued at all in terms of preparation and being involved and all of that.”

Air Jordan retired three times from the NBA: Once to play Minor League Baseball, a second time to leave the Chicago Bulls, and a final retirement with the Washington Wizards in 2003.

“Basketball has been my life,” Jordan said.

“No way you would ever have come in contact with me without the game of basketball. No way would I have been in contact with a lot of other people without the game of basketball.

“It gave me an outlet. It gave me a chance to experience life all over the world, not just here in the (United) States.”

While James has referred to himself as the GOAT, the overall debate normally tips toward Jordan.

He never lost in the Finals.

He never joined a super team just to win a championship.

And while James is the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, Jordan’s 30.1 career scoring average, five NBA MVPs and nine All-Defensive Team selections highlight his legendary intensity.

The King’s clear edge over MJ is his unparalleled longevity.

At 40, James is better and more dominant than Jordan was at the same age.

But the numbers are closer than one might think.

Jordan began his final NBA season at 39, then turned 40 on February 17 in 2003.

He scored 39 points on 13-of-22 shooting at Madison Square Garden just 20 days later.

As Jordan watched his 39th year evolve into the big 40, he averaged 20 points with 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 82 games (67 starts).

While the Wizards finished 37-45 under Doug Collins and failed to make the playoffs, Jordan shot 44.5 percent from the field and 82.1 percent from the line.

Comparing Greatness

Michael Jordan at 40: 20 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 37 minutes, 44.5 FG %, 82.1 FT%, 29.1 3P %

LeBron James at 40: 23.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 9 assists, 0.8 steals 35 minutes, 49.6 FG %, 76.7 FT %, 35.7 3P %

His numbers were far below his career averages.

But Jordan was an All-Star with Washington in his final season and received a three-minute standing ovation at his last NBA game.

“It hits me that I am not going to be in a uniform anymore, and that’s not a terrible feeling,” Jordan said.

“It’s not terrible. It’s something that I have come to grips with and it’s time.”

“I think the fans here were superb in the way that they treated him,” Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson added.

To many, Jordan will always be the GOAT.

But as The King turns 40, James has Jordan beat when it comes to beating Father Time on the hardwood.

“We play in different eras,” Jordan said in 2020. “He’s an unbelievable player.”

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( LeBron James and Michael Jordan both played in the NBA until they were 40 – here’s the real GOAT )

Also on site :

• M&S issues major cyber attack update with all online orders SUSPENDED
• Man Utd 'so close to clicking' under Ruben Amorim says star after 'very difficult' change
• Denver Broncos selected CB Jahdae Barron despite 3 biggest needs on offense