And age. Lebron is more physically talented. But there were players more physically gifted then Jordan as well.

But Jordan combined elite athleticism, killer instinct, supreme confidence with the best work ethic in the game.

One year he won the MVP, scoring title, defensive player of the year, all-star mvp, and slam dunk champion. That was all the same year!

For essentially a decade he was the best defensive wing and by far the best offensive player in the league.

If you match up 1990s Jordan and 2010s lebron - lebron is probably superior as a basketball player.

But lebron has benefited from superior conditioning, rehab, skills development, strength training and nutrition programs.

Jordan was one of the first players to really start lifting weights. Now everyone does.

Lebron is a better 3 point shooter statistically. But that is in part because he has adapted to today's game.

Jordan didn't practice the 3pt shot like today's players. The coaches didn't understand spacing and how it could change the game. Jordan lived off the midrange fade away and was easily the best at it. That is now the shot defenses want players to take.

Those of us who watched MJ have no doubt that his work ethic and competitive spirit would have driven him adapt his game and become elite in areas that analytics have shown give you the best chance to win.

Lebron has tried to develop his shot and has improved dramatically. But his 3pt % is still only 2 pts higher than Jordan despite MJ playing during an era when it just wasn't shot or practiced that much.

Teams still sag off lebron and hope he shoots jumpers. No one wanted Jordan shooting jumpers.

The pace of play has increased dramatically since the 90s. This increased pace of play means that there are more of shots, more points, more rebounds, more assists to be had every game.

So I don't think comparing lebron's stats to Jordan's is an equal comparison. Though Lebron is obviously a better rebounder and passer than MJ.

I will also say that I think Lebron has benefited greatly from spending most of his career in a very weak eastern conference. I don't think he makes it to all those finals if in the west. I also think some west teams were worn out by the time they got to the finals.

In Lebron's defense - he is playing against far superior athletes than Jordan. The players today are bigger stronger, faster and more skilled in general than the players Jordan played against.

So it does make it difficult to compare.

Frankly there is a good case for both of them.