LeBron James a Heavy -500 Favorite Over Michael Jordan in Hypothetical One-on-One Game

• The LeBron James vs Michael Jordan debate has been reignited by the run of ESPN’s The Last Dance
• Odds are available on a potential one-on-one between The King and His Airness if it were to ever happen today
• See our breakdown of a hypothetical matchup between the two GOATs below

LeBron James and Michael Jordan are the greatest players of their respective eras. They are pitted against one another in “GOAT” discussions and hypothetical matchups more than any other players. For many, identifying as Team LeBron or Team MJ is a major part of their basketball fandom.

Just putting their two names near one another sends NBA fans into a frenzy. You can already hear the cries of ‘6-0’ vs ‘3-6’.

What we’re focusing on here, though, isn’t NBA Finals records or longevity or leadership. It’s about a potential one-on-one between the NBA’s greatest if it were to ever happen today.

LeBron James vs Michael Jordan One-on-One Odds

All odds taken May 20th

These odds are based on a game taking place in the current day, which leads to LeBron being the runaway favorite. Having celebrated his 57th birthday earlier this year, it’s no surprise to see Jordan at +300 despite his recent claim that he could beat his Charlotte Hornets players one-on-one.

Hopefully Miles Bridges takes MJ up on that offer.

Let’s get it then https://t.co/7MbAOAFhSL

— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) May 17, 2020

Even if Jordan’s ambitious hypothesis is correct (and it seems unlikely), besting some of his Hornets players isn’t the same as taking on LeBron. Although it’s a fair guess that Jordan would fancy his chances against LeBron, too.

MJ hasn’t played an NBA game since 2003. His hours on the golf course are unlikely to have kept him in shape to duel with James. Given his barely believable competitive spirit, Jordan would likely get himself prepared for a one-on-one with LeBron, however.

Imagine if ESPN gave him six months notice and televised it.

The ratings would be off the charts if they did this with LeBron & Jordan down the line… pic.twitter.com/bSwBNg1yiI

— JustAnotherNBAFan™ (@AnotherNBAFan) May 19, 2020

While getting into shape would be helpful, a one-on-one isn’t all about paint-to-paint fitness. Maybe Jordan could put up a fight even now, defending LeBron in the post and pulling up for jumpers.

I’d be taking LeBron here, even at such a short price. Jordan could talk the talk and walk the walk in his playing days, but his late-fifties body would struggle against a freakish athlete somehow still in his prime.

LeBron James vs Michael Jordan One-on-One Props

Surely the manically competitive Jordan would start fouling LeBron if he got ahead. He’d force him to the line and trash talk him, wouldn’t he?

Given it’s taking place in the modern day too, it’s safe to assume we’ve got 2020 officiating. The defense that made Jordan one of the greatest defenders of all-time might result in more foul calls than he remembers even from his Washington days.

It would be physical. LeBron would use his height advantage, and Jordan would defend like the Bad Boy Pistons. There’s a chance that LeBron never gets to the bucket without a hard foul or two along the way.

As some of the sillier ‘pundits’ focus on, James’ free throw shooting is the weakest part of his game. Getting him to the stripe might be Jordan’s only chance. James has been under 70% from the line in two of his last three seasons, Jordan didn’t drop under 80% until his final season with the Bulls.

Jordan at +200 to commit the most fouls would be a great bet. James at -110 to make the first free throw fits with that bet too, assuming Jordan goes in aggressively on the defensive end early on.