LeBron James is one of the greatest to ever play the game. He's won multiple titles and put his name across NBA record books, but there is still one man that eludes him. The greatest to ever play the game, Michael Jordan, is the most elusive figure in sports. He's an icon that is beyond the normal when it comes to reaching his status.
In Game 5 of the Eastern Conference fFinals, James did manage to pass Jordan in something. He became the No. 1 scorer in NBA playoff history. The scoring of Jordan was legendary so this is quite the achievement for James. When asked about it in post game James seemed honored to pass someone he grew up watching, but also proud of what he had accomplished.
"I wear the number because of Mike. I fell in love with the game because of Mike." @KingJames on becoming all-time playoffs leading scorer. pic.twitter.com/m38IqEkRjY
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 26, 2017
"When you're growing up and seeing Michael Jordan he's almost like a god. So I never believed I could be Mike. So I started focusing myself on other players and other people around my neighborhood. I never thought you could get to a point that Mike was. So I think that helped shake my game. The biggest thing for me after breaking the all time scoring record in playoff history. I did it just being me. I don't have to score the ball to make an impact and that was my mindset. When I started playing the game I was like, 'If I'm not scoring the ball how can I still make an impact on the game' and it's carried me all the way to this point now. It's going to carry me for the rest of my career because scoring is not number one on my agenda"
James clearly has great respect for Jordan to say that he still wears his number 23 because of him. He even said he believed nobody could reach him, but the best comment is him saying he did it his way. Even though he never believed he could become Jordan he still reached this milestone playing like LeBron James. Not like anybody else.
Early in James' career he was criticized for making the "right play" instead of being like Jordan and demanding the ball so he could take the last shot. He never stopped being himself and now he's the leader in all-time playoff points. That's an awesome addition to an already incredible legacy.
