Bill Laimbeer, the head coach of the New York Liberty, appeared on The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday morning, and he didn’t mince words when the conversation inevitably turned to the NBA’s inescapable binary question.

Jordan, or LeBron?

“There’s no question I’d take LeBron James,” Laimbeer stated. “He’s capable of doing more. Michael Jordan could score, make big shots, and look spectacular on occasion with wild-flying dunks, but LeBron can get you 18 rebounds. LeBron can get you 15 assists or 50 points if he chooses to.

“So the triple threat he poses is incredible, and his size — he just physically dominates. “It is impressive.”

Laimbeer and the “Bad Boy” Pistons faced Jordan’s Bulls in four consecutive postseason series, winning the first three thanks to a focus on Jordan and physical grinding.

 However, Laimbeer informed Patrick that the same game plan would not slow LeBron.

“You can’t knock him down,” Laimbeer replied. “He will knock you down. Nobody has ever seen a physical specimen like LeBron. 6-foot-8, 285 [pounds], powerful, leaps out of the gym and runs like the wind. “Man, I am in awe of this guy.”

 

Sure, but how about the #ringz argument? If the Warriors beat the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, James’ Finals record will drop to 2-4.

“Yeah, but you look at what LeBron has in the Finals right now,” Laimbeer countered. “Could anyone else in this league have led his team to the Finals?” I do not think so. Jordan could not have led this team to the finals.

 

“LeBron entered the league knowing how to play basketball and engage his teammates. Jordan had to learn that, and then they had to put together a great team around him to help him win.”

Fans will argue LeBron vs. Jordan until their dying day, and perhaps that is the ultimate compliment the Cavs’ superstar can receive in a world where one-third of Americans believe a 52-year-old Jordan could take James right now.