“Michael Jordan undefeated in the Finals? It impresses me less than LeBron who…”

Forever, Michael Jordan’s perfect record in the Finals remains a mind-blowing achievement. But for a Hall of Famer, it is still less impressive than a madness accomplished by LeBron James. The King has even done even better since.

Even if LeBron James gradually approaching retirement, not sure we can close the GOAT debate once the Lakers winger hangs up his sneakers. Between him and Michael Jordan, it’s an endless discussion that takes place on television sets, on social networks and in the locker room. And since time, almost all the arguments have already been used to try to decide between them.

Among the worshipers of the former Bulls back, we often tend to talk about the perfect record of No. 23 in the NBA Finals. It’s simple, MJ has emerged victorious in each of his six stints at this stage of the competition, making two three-peats during the 90s. Many would think that without his first retirement in 1993, we would even could see him win eight titles in a row.

Julius Erving cash on Michael Jordan and LeBron James

For its part, LBJ has a track record that is certainly crazy, but a little less impressive since it has won “only” four times in the Finals, against six defeats. But for Julius Erving, who broached the subject a few years ago on the show Undisputedthe King’s performance remained the most impressive because over time, almost no one has ever done as well as the quadruple MVP.

What you don’t understand is that we are talking about a team sport. It is therefore not individuals who win titles, but teams. And you can be good, if your team isn’t… So a record of 3 wins for 5 losses doesn’t mean anything, I’m more impressed by the 8 consecutive Finals than by the perfect record in Finals. Even if he had lost his 8 Finals, it would still be a feat. It’s like playing 8 SuperBowls.

Between 2011 and 2018, it was simply impossible to cross the LeBron hurdle within the Eastern Conference. It was not until his departure for the Lakers in 2019 that a series of Finals without him could take place, proof of his ability to go very far as many times as possible. And that’s not counting the fourth title he won since this declaration by Dr.J, with the Pourpres et Ors.

We will also add that some of these Finals, he reached them with teams at a fairly low overall level. The Cavs in 2007 are a perfect example of that, but he also got them almost to the throne in 2018 as Kyrie Irving was not there. There is also the fact that he made this crazy series with two different franchises (Miami then Cleveland), no small feat.

Going to the NBA Finals several times in a row is still a monster feat and a remarkable testament to your consistency. LeBron James was a must in this area during the 2010 decade and for Julius Erving, we just don’t highlight him enough for that.