James made a bold statement on the “Road Trippin’” podcast, expressing his belief that Michael Jordan would not average 50 points if he played in today’s NBA.
LeBron James, who respects the history of the game, considers it disrespectful to assume such a high scoring average for Jordan in the current era. He points out that the game has evolved with advancements in training, nutrition, technology, and a faster pace focused on three-point shooting. While acknowledging Jordan’s greatness as a scorer, James believes it would be unfair to expect him to outscore today’s dominant players who benefit from these advancements. However, James acknowledges Jordan’s competitiveness and work ethic, making it unwise to completely discount his ability to achieve extraordinary feats.
Additionally, Jordan’s era was more physical and defensive-minded, which could potentially enhance his scoring ability. Ultimately, comparing players from different eras remains speculative.