Bill Laimbeer Says LeBron James in His Prime Is a Better Player Than Michael Jordan Was

LeBron is better than MJ, according to Bill Laimbeer.

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If you've already grown tired of the LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan debates, we've got some bad news for you: They're only going to multiply in the coming days, weeks, months, and years. Regardless of whether LeBron wins his third title this season or loses in the NBA Finals for the fourth time, people are going to continue to compare his career to MJ's career. There's no escaping it.

The latest person to weigh in on it is former NBA star/current WNBA coach Bill Laimbeer. Earlier today, Dan Patrick asked him whether he'd rather have LeBron in his prime or MJ in his prime on his team. And he didn't hesitate when it came time to make his selection. He said that he thinks LeBron is a better player than MJ was.

"There's no question I would take LeBron James," he said (he starts talking about LeBron vs. MJ at the 4:10 mark of the clip above). "He can do more. Michael Jordan could score and make big shots and look spectacular at times with wild flying dunks, but LeBron can get you 18 rebounds, get you 15 assists, or score 50 if he wants to. The triple threat he poses is just phenomenal, and the size—he just physically dominates. It's impressive."

Laimbeer also said that he doesn't think MJ could have gotten a team like this year's Cavaliers to the Finals.

"Look at what LeBron has in the Finals right now," he said. "Could anybody else in the world have led this team of role players to the Finals right now? I don't think so. Jordan could not have led this team to the Finals."

Hmmm…Do you agree? Regardless of whether you ride for LeBron or MJ, that last comment that Laimbeer made is highly debatable. There's no question LeBron has done a masterful job with the Cavs this season. But is it a job that MJ himself couldn't have done? Feel free to argue amongst yourselves.

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.

[via Chicago Sun-Times]

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