LeBron James Is Flat-out Better Than Michael Jordan...at 27 Years of Age

Right now, LeBron James is better, as well as "greater," than Michael Jordan ever was at the same age.

Put another way, LeBron James is the 27-year-old G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time), period.

Take a gander at the following statistical tables:

Career Regular Season Stats at 27 Years of Age

Player	Points	Assists	Rebounds	Steals	Blocks
LeBron	19,045	4,751	4,932	1,194	582
Jordan	14,016	2,565	2,694	1,189	465

Career Playoff Stats at 27 Years of Age

Player	Points	Assists	Rebounds	Steals	Blocks
LeBron	3,275	772	998	195	109
Jordan	1,896	355	368	135	53

Before any rabid Jordan fans start screaming at their computer screens, "Lebron entered the league straight out of high school while Jordan played three years of college ball, so of course his career stats will be better!" such a statement is simply untrue.

First, LeBron should not be punished for being more talented, skilled and able to play a man's game better than Jordan was after each graduated high school. If anything, LeBron being drafted to be an NBA team's savior and instantly becoming their best player straight out of high school while Jordan went to North Carolina and instantly became the collegiate team's third-best player is a credit to LeBron's ability.

Secondly, the simple fact of the matter is that James' per game averages in both the rebound and assist category blow Jordan's out of the water, despite playing in the NBA straight out of high school! Jordan trumps James in average points per game, but he also attempted nearly 18 percent more shots than LeBron per 48 minutes as well.

Career Awards and Accomplishments at 27 Years of Age

Player	ROY	A.S. MVP	All-NBA	All-NBA Def	DPOY	MVP	Finals MVP	Conf. Titles	NBA Rings
LeBron	1	2	8	4	0	3	1	3	1
Jordan	1	1	5	3	1	1	0	0	0

Many Jordan fans consider his airness to be the G.O.A.T. based on his statistical prowess. When knowledgeable fans point out the fact that Jordan's stats pale in comparison to Wilt Chamberlain's, Jordan fans point to MJ's Bulls team accomplishments such as their six conference titles and six NBA rings. When knowledgeable fans point out the fact that Jordan's team's success also pales in comparison to Bill Russell's team's accomplishments, Jordan fans jump back to talking about MJ's stats.

However, the simple fact of the matter is that LeBron James' stats and his team's accomplishments both blow Jordan's stats and accomplishments out of the water.

The simple, if extremely unpopular, truth is that LeBron James is better and "greater" than Michael Jordan ever was through his first 27 years of life.