Has LeBron James passed Michael Jordan as the best ever? [Poll]

LeBron James is having an unbelievable year. A second Olympic gold medal. A third league MVP. A first NBA Finals MVP. And, most importantly, his first NBA title.

Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim got to witness a portion of this amazing run as the assistant coach to the U.S. men’s basketball team, and he made a pretty staggering claim on Colin Cowherd’s ESPN radio show Wednesday:

LeBron James just might have surpassed Michael Jordan as the best player he’s ever seen.

That’s pretty huge. You can look at the numbers all you want. Both men won their first titles at age 27, although James has been in the league nine years to Jordan’s seven at the same age. Jordan, who also had just one MVP to his credit at this point in his career, went on earn six NBA championships and five MVPs.

But Boeheim was basing his statement on what he’s seen with his own eyes.

“I’ve always thought Michael Jordan was the best player that I’ve ever seen,” Boeheim said. “I always have. I didn’t even think it was close. And I’m not so sure anymore.”

He went on to say about James: “This guy is 6-9, 260 pounds, and he’s getting better. He works on his game, his shooting’s getting better. He’s a phenomenal, phenomenal basketball player.

“I love this game, I love the history of this game. I know we’ve had great, great players through the years, and [James is] like Magic Johnson with Michael Jordan-type skills. I mean, it’s hard to beat this guy.”

Obviously, that’s just one man’s opinion. What’s yours? Vote in the poll, then leave a comment explaining why you voted the way you did.

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