An interesting simulation has surfaced online, which appears to show what would have happened if LeBron James had joined the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan's time in the NBA.
Jordan, 62, and James, 40, are often part of the discussion about the greatest NBA player of all time, along with names like Steph Curry and Kobe Bryant.
However, Jordan and James have never played against each other in a competitive match, as the six-time NBA champion enjoyed his best years with the Bulls between 1991 and 1998, before a two-year stint with the Washington Wizards between 2001 and 2003.
Meanwhile, LeBron currently plays for the LA Lakers and has won four titles during his career with the Lakers, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
But what would have happened if they had played in the same era and even on the same team?
LeBron usually plays as a small forward/power forward and would compete with Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant at the height of the Bulls' success in the 90s.
Speaking on the PBD Podcast, Pippen, 59, explained how Jordan would have been even better suited to the modern game.
"Remember, in Michael's era and mine, the game was very physical, 85- to 90-point games — completely different," Pippen said.
"In today's game, we're seeing some games that go up to 130, 140 points. So I think Michael would have thrived being free, without the hindrance of constant physicality that he had at the time."
He added: “When you look at today’s players, like LeBron, there’s really no comparison in terms of the level of competition… Michael gathered all the competition and exposed it to the world.
"In 12 to 14 years, we saw his whole resume, the competitiveness, the desire and the will to win. While someone like LeBron has to spread that out over 20 years, it's not the same fight, the same desire, the same hunger."
However, a simulation conducted by MED attempts to predict what would have happened if LeBron had signed with the Bulls in 1989. And, surprisingly, the simulation showed that James would have finished his career with five MVP awards, compared to Jordan's three. LeBron also won four Finals MVP awards, while Jordan also won four.
Most recently, James spoke about his relationship with Jordan during an interview on the Pat McAfee Show in March.
“We don’t talk,” James admitted. “Because I’m still playing. I’m still focused on my craft.”
He added: "I think it's because I'm still on the court. And MJ, we all know what kind of character he is. Even if you don't know him personally, he's one of the most ruthless competitors there is, and until I retire and he doesn't have his name and number 23 running up and down his back, every time my name is mentioned, it's mentioned with him."/Express newspaper/
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