Lakers' LeBron James makes absurdly clear GOAT case vs. Michael Jordan with latest stat originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For those on the LeBron James side of the NBA's GOAT debate vs. Michael Jordan, there's one new stat circulating that could help settle this once and for all.
James, now 41, put up another LeBron-style performance in a win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. He had 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists as L.A. went up 2-0 in the series despite the absence of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
In the process, James totaled his 155th career game of at least 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the playoffs.
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James actually had 75 games of 25/5/5 before turning 30, and he's had 80 such games since turning 30 -- according to StatMuse:
Most 25/5/5 playoff games:80 — LeBron after turning 3075 — LeBron before turning 3073 — Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/N2jQSwSxWN
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Sure, Jordan wasn't the same kind of statistical player as James, so it's not just a totally fair comparison on every front.
By the same token, it puts a giant exclamation point next to LeBron's continued longevity and productivity. It's an absurd statistic, especially to consider that he's actually done this more often in the second half of his career.
And that he's still doing it like this at age 41? It's astounding.
James conceptually turned back the clock on Tuesday night with a fun reverse dunk, except that's not how his clock works. He's very much in the present. He's just still that remarkably athletic, talented and capable that none of this is a surprise. And that's as impressive as anything.
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