Why Michael Jordan RATES Larry Bird OVER LeBron James...

Why Michael Jordan RATES Larry Bird OVER LeBron James...

We all know that Michael Jordan and Larry Bird shared some epic battles on the court. But did you know that despite being fierce rivals, MJ himself didn't hold back in acknowledging Bird's greatness? And you won't believe what he had to say about LeBron James.

The MJ vs. LeBron debate is a topic that ignites fiery discussions across every corner of the basketball universe. Who's the GOAT? Who's the real king of the court? Well, according to Michael Jordan, there's a twist to this tale, and it involves Larry Legend himself.

Michael Jordan isn't casting his vote for himself or even for the modern-day giant, LeBron. No, no. His pick? The one and only Larry Legend Bird. And there's more to this claim than meets the eye.

But wait, rewind a bit. Before Michael Jordan took over the league, two names ruled the NBA world. The 80s belonged to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, the greatest rivals in the history of the sport. Perhaps even comparable to the kind of rivalry that was shared by Messi and Christiano Ronaldo in the football world.

These two legends who are often overshadowed in modern debates are undeniably part of the top 10 greatest players of all time. Yet, they've faded from the forefront of contemporary basketball chatter.

#nba
#michaeljordan
#larrybird

[tobingallawa]

8:57 NO, Michael Jordan says Bird is better because he knows way more about basketball than the people talking about James.

[grog]

Larry never flopped. The king of turnovers does so on a weekly basis.

[johnnyfelipe]

Physically Lebron have the edge, but when it comes to clutch time, playoffs, playing hard, smarts, tense situations I'll pick Larry over Lebron. The King as what he calls himself is a softie and he started the cupcake era by joining up with rivals instead of competing against them

[justinchan]

Larry Bird in his prime was unguardable, especially on the perimeter. Bird versus Lebron would go like this: Bird would tell Lebron exactly where he would dribble to, and call out, "I'm gonna do a turnaround fadeaway jumper behind the 3 point line." And then Bird would do it. Lebron wouldn't be able to do a damn thing about it. And Bird would do psychological crap like that to Lebron all game long, thus crushing his spirit. The game in the 1980s was more a mental chess match than it is today. It was about getting into your opponent's head, finding out what makes them tick and using that against him.

I would also say that in Bird's era, the game was much more physical. So, if they were to play each other, using 1980s rules, it would be a different story. Guys playing basketball today would not be able to handle the physicality of the 80s. Back then, when you grabbed a rebound, you also deliver an elbow into the stomach of your opponent. That just came with playing the game.

[docvale]

Larry legend woud have eaten Lecrybaby alive

[jessevaughan]

Bird was an assassin - a beast - pure shooter - great passer and leader - I take him over any small player in NBA history.

[christiefisher]

Larry bird will be the ultimate goat of all time. Not only did he play hard. He trash talk you all the way to the hoop. And tell them exactly what he was gonna do Before he shot the ball. What person would do that? You wouldn't want them to know your next play. There's not one player that would do that. . And do exactly what he said he was gonna do everytime, therefore he will be the all time ultimate GOAT! ❤

[danielray]

Nobody plays defense in todays NBA. It’s truly a different game for offensive players because hand checking isn’t allowed today! Thats why teams score 130 a game vs 90 a game back in the 1990’s.

[miketurpin]

You dont see passes like what Bird was doing back then either.

[philipatoz]

When you evaluate and rank the top players' greatness, the first thing you have to consider is how much that player involved and elevated the play of his teammates. And, to me, both Magic and Bird encompass that variable. Yep, scoring, inside and out, is a key variable. Defense certainly is. Rebounding, yep. And where Bird leaves most behind - is his astonishing skills as a playmaker, and his constant awareness of the floor, and especially as one of the greatest passers to ever lace them up! And Larry did all of this with surprisingly modest athleticism - he wasn't fast or a great leaper. But what he did with ball smarts and always trying to play selfless and get the ball to the best opportunity in the moment - Larry was the best at that. And people forget, Bird's prime was cut way short due to feet and back injuries. He played the last of his career on guts and pain. I've always thought the classic lineup of Bird, Parish, Ainge, McHale, and DJ was the best passing, smartest, most-selfless team the NBA ever had. No one ever took there skills further than Bird did. There are a lot of terrific, unbelievably quick basketball players with amazing moves that were never in Bird's league. So, is there a best? I say it's between about three people.

[ryanburchett]

Bird is definitely a contender for the GOAT debate.

[bigkw]

I will take a broke back Larry Legend over ANYBODY in today's Cupcake NBA

[DFWGuitarPlayer]

LBJ had the fortunate hand of playing in the east, and basically ZERO competition for his first 15 or so years. He would maybe have 3 finals APPEARANCES if he played in the west.

[mightymikeamps]

My dream team would be Hakeem, Duncan, Bird, MJ, and Magic

[jmreynaud]

Something no one has accomplished is the 30 game turnaround Bird was accredited with because he was the only change on that team.

[CBrady-jwps]

Bird all day every day and twice on sunday

[richmarlow]

If I had one last shot to win a game, I would want Larry taking that shot over anyone ever. He is 6'10' and could always get a shot off with the confidence to hit it.

[brianbaker]

1. Michael Jordan
2. Larry Bird
3. Magic Johnson

[stevenstraubhaar]

Well yeah !! Bird played hurt time and time again. James….no way !

[R-nn]

No contest. Bird’s basketball IQ is off the chart. He made his teammates better players.