Graphic of the Day: Comparing Jordan-LeBron-Kobe's first seven years
Who's the next Michael Jordan?
It's the question we've been told not to ask. For many fans, Jordan is and always will be beyond comparison. His larger-than-life bravado and uncanny ability to rise to the occasion transformed the Jordan name in to a worldwide cultural phenomenon. On the court, his success was testament to what happens when you mix hard work with unrivaled desire and freakish athletic ability.
As the coin flips, however, we find two men who make their living chasing greatness. Whether they like it or not, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have been charged to fill Jordan's shoes ... and they've done an admirable job trying.
Since LeBron is the youngest, just finished his seventh year in the NBA, we'll take a look at each player's first seven seasons to see how they stack up and project out. Who's the real prodigy? Will Jordan still be the greatest in 10 years?
Let's look at the numbers:
Notes:
• Kobe Bryant brought home three NBA titles in his first seven seasons. Michael Jordan won two. LeBron James has yet to win the championship.
• Both Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan made the playoffs every year of their first seven seasons in the NBA. LeBron James has led the Cavaliers to the playoffs in five of his seven years.
• Michael Jordan made the All-Star team in all seven of his first NBA seasons. LeBron James is a six-time All-Star. Kobe Bryant made the team five times.
• Kobe Bryant played a shortened, 50-game season in 1998-99. Because of a lockout, the season started on Feb. 5.
• Michael Jordan missed 64 regular-season games in 1985-86 with a broken bone in his foot. That year, the Bulls made the playoffs, where Jordan averaged 43.7 points per game in the opening round, including a record-setting 63-point explosion.
Michael Jordan achievements (1984-1991): Rookie of the Year, NBA MVP (2), Finals MVP, All-Star Game MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, scoring title (5), Olympic gold medal
LeBron James achievements (2003-2010): Rookie of the Year, NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP (2), scoring title, Olympic gold medal, Olympic bronze medal
Kobe Bryant achievements: (1996-2003): All-Star Game MVP
(GRAPHIC: Roland Liwag | TEXT: Mike Coulter)
