LeBron James, Miami Heat: How the King Would Match Up Vs. MJ, Magic and Bird

As everybody knows, LeBron James decided to leave his post as "The Man" in Cleveland to shoot for the first championship of his career, playing alongside fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami.

While some feel "King James" made a smart choice, others don't believe it was such a great idea.

Among the critics are NBA legends Michael Jordan, Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. All three suggest that they wouldn't have joined forces with other superstars. Their goal was to defeat those superstars.

It's a shame that James can't respond by duking it out one-on-one against Jordan, Magic or Bird. Well, actually he could, but it wouldn't be very exciting to see a 25-year-old go up against three guys who are at least 47.

All jokes aside, how would James, a two-time MVP and arguably the best player currently in the NBA, fare against those three Hall of Famers in their prime? Would he dominate against them just like he does against players of today?

Let's take a look at would could have happened.

LeBron vs. Air Jordan

Fans would love to see Prime Jordan battle Prime Kobe Bryant since the two have similar styles. However, LeBron vs. Jordan would definitely sell out arenas as well.  

Jordan is one of the greatest defenders in league history. The 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year was named to the All-Defensive First Team nine times during his career. That said, Prime MJ would be fully capable of shutting down James.

But the 6-foot-8, 250-pound James is much bigger and stronger than Jordan (6-foot-6, 215 pounds) ever was, meaning Jordan would possibly have his hands full. James would use his amazing quickness to drive the lane and put up a few points on the board.

James would score on Jordan, but no where close to how he does against defenders currently in the league.

Jordan, on the hand, wouldn't just score on James, he would simply destroy him. Yes, it would be pretty painful to watch if you're a big LeBron fan. Very painful. James is a solid defender, but he wouldn't be able to stay in front of the explosive five-time NBA MVP.

On every possession, early Prime Jordan would blow by the dazed James and then dart to the hole for one of his famous dunks or nearly impossible above the rim lay-ins.

And if James faced MJ later on in his prime, he would be frustrated with Jordan's trademark fadeaway jumpshot, which no one could ever defend.

James though, would occasionally sneak up from behind and embarrass Jordan by pinning his shot on the glass, a play that's made appearances on tons of Top 10 lists over the years.

LeBron vs. Jordan would be an exciting matchup, but LeBron clearly couldn't handle Jordan. Maybe the older Washington Wizards' Jordan, but not the Chicago Bulls version. 

LeBron vs. Magic

Magic is undoubtedly the greatest point guard to ever lace up a pair of sneakers and is usually recognized as one of the top five players in NBA history. However, he was never known for his defense.

Johnson wasn't a bad defender by any stretch of the imagination. He just wasn't somebody who was going to lock you down like a Scottie Pippen or Gary Payton.

That said, James would have his way with the less-quick and athletically inferior Johnson. Magic would get burned every time as LeBron would attack the rim with reckless abandon. James would probably average somewhere around 50 points per game against the former Los Angeles Lakers star.

Johnson though, wouldn't go scoreless as he would post up James and often sink his dangerous "junior sky hook", a shot which buried Bird's Boston Celtics in the 1987 NBA Finals.

James would surely manhandle Magic in a game of one-one-one. However, it would still be an interesting matchup since James has drawn comparisons to Magic ever since he entered the league in 2003.   

James is definitely more talented, but he likely won't ever reach Magic's level, no matter what he's able to accomplish in his career.  

LeBron vs. Larry Legend

Like Magic, Bird will never be considered one of the league's most intimidating defenders of all time. He earned a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team three times, but would have been way too slow to stop the super-quick James from getting to the basket.

Bird was an excellent help defender, but not much of a one-on-one defender.

Don't let Bird's lack of speed and athleticism fool you. Because of his high basketball IQ, he would have found a way to score a lot of points on James. Bird always found a way to get the job done.

Bird is one of the most feared shooters to ever play the game. He could score from pretty much anywhere on the court. During his legendary career, Bird would never let you down, especially in clutch situations.  

LeBron vs. Prime Bird would be a classic duel, sort of like Bird vs. Dominique Wilkins in the late '80s. Both stars would likely trade baskets all game long. 

Bird was a way better shooter than James—it's not even a debate—but he would get embarrassed every time by James in a one-on-one matchup. James is just too fast and too strong for Bird to handle.  

With three championships under his belt, Bird is much more accomplished than James, but James is clearly the more talented.

If James ever manages to pick up a few championship rings—something he just might do now that he's in Miami—and avoids any serious injuries, he will likely end up surpassing Bird as the No. 1 small forward in NBA history.

Conclusion

James could score on Magic and Bird with easy, but not so easily against Jordan.

And guarding Jordan would be the toughest assignment for James. No surprise there, of course. 

Jordan, Magic, and Bird are all widely regarded as top 10 players of all time, with Jordan being arguably the best ever.

James can one day be mentioned in the same group as these guys. He can put up the stats. He has the skills. He just has to win some championships.