This particular topic is a real passion of mine and I think I agree with Ethan pretty closely. As a member of Gen X, I definitely admit some disingenuous debates made in favor of "our guys" against those Boomers who came before us on Jim Brown, Bill Russell, Mickey Mantle and such, so given our proficiency on running those plays, I can see them now made to us (which serves us right, I suppose). By the way, when you actually dig down on those athletes listed above, you realize how it is highly possible that they were just as great as "old people" said, but now we are willing to listen as we age, I suppose. No, we did not live for every important moment in mankind's history. I am not sure what age that really hits us, but now at 53, I am willing to admit it. I think becoming a dedicated reader of books from before my time didn't hurt this growth internally, by the way. You can't learn everything from Sportscenter, it turns out.

Anyway, as it pertains to Lebron vs Jordan, I cannot help but notice that about 100% of Lebron enthusiasts were born roughly the year Lebron was born or later (1984). There may be a 60 year old who thinks he was the GOAT, but I have not met that person. I think having witnessed their entire careers and watching no fewer than 200-300 full and entire games of each (as most of us with an opinion on this can safely say), there is a real distinction that is clear. And it is as follows:

As great as they both were – and they both were unreal – Jordan and Lebron both share many of the highest highs. But, it is the lowest lows that are far more prevalent with James than with MJ. I would say there are many ways to look at it, but rather than writing a book, let's just talk scoring in the playoffs. Jordan had almost no "no-show" games at any point and Lebron had many, many (relative speaking).

LeBron James (304 playoff games) - Michael Jordan (179)

Playoff games scoring fewer than 20

LeBron James: 34 (12-22 Record)

Michael Jordan: 6 (2-4)

Playoff games scoring fewer than 15

LeBron James: 8 (1-8)

Michael Jordan: 1 (0-1)

Finals games scoring fewer than 20

LeBron James: 8 (2-6)

Michael Jordan: 0

Finals games scoring fewer than 15

LeBron James: 3 (0-3)

Michael Jordan: 0

Jordan 179 games - 3% under 20

1 game 15 or under - 0.5%

LeBron 304 games - 11% under 20

8 games 15 or under - 3%

The 8 point Finals game in Dallas (3-11 shooting in what was an incredibly important game) is just not anywhere to be found for MJ. Yes, he lost some games in the playoffs – quite a few of them. And yes, he lost series, too. But, the humiliating "what is wrong with Lebron" games are simply impossible to find with Jordan.

Rocky Marciano's career would look different if he was knocked out 3 times, but he never was. Thus, the hype.