GOAT debate at 38: Odds LeBron can eclipse Jordan's numbers at the same age

The greatest debate in all of sports: Jordan versus LeBron?

Arguments about whether LeBron James or Michael Jordan is the GOAT have been going on for years in barbershops, kitchens, sports bars, and TV studios all over the globe.

One of the reasons it's such a contentious debate is that there's no right answer. It's impossible to compare eras, and people use arbitrary criteria and move the goalposts at the speed of light.

Sure, Jordan's peak was probably greater than James', but James' peak certainly lasted longer. Well, what about their teammates, and their competition, and the physicality, and the rules? The claims from both sides could go on all day.

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a way to bet on the debate? Well, now there is - sort of. theScore Bet is offering an exclusive special where you can bet on who will have better single-game performances at age 38: Jordan or James?

James in 2023-24 vs. Jordan in 2001-02 (both at age 38)

The 2001-02 season was Jordan's 14th in the NBA and his first one back from his second retirement. The following season was his last. Jordan averaged 22.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.9 rebounds in 2001-02 - well below his points average when he left the sport as an MVP, Finals MVP, and champion in 1998.

Of course, he played his final two seasons with the Wizards, not the Bulls. He also only played 60 games during the 2001-02 season. On the other side of a three-year hiatus, it was clear Jordan wasn't the untouchable player he'd been throughout the '90s.

Whether James or Jordan is your pick, one thing is not particularly debatable: James wins the longevity battle, although the reasons - mostly the resources and technology Jordan didn't have access to - can be disputed.

But LeBron at age 38 in Year 20 is certainly better than Jordan at age 38 in Year 14.

James is coming off a season where he averaged 28.9 points, 8.3 boards, and 6.8 assists for the Lakers. Unless he suffers a catastrophic injury, he's almost certain to have a more productive season at 38 years old on a championship contender than Jordan did at 38 on a team that won 37 games.

The argument goes that Jordan was the better scorer, but James is a better passer/distributor and rebounder. Even at 38, LeBron's season-high odds reflect that.

Jordan scored 51 points during the 2001-02 season. James has scored at least 50 points 14 times in his career, but hasn't done it since March 2022 against the Warriors. He's done it just three times since he joined the Lakers in 2018.

He's plus odds to score over 51 points in 2023-24 for a reason: It would be a miraculous feat for the all-time leader in total points scored.

Jordan's season highs in assists and rebounds that season were 11 and 14, respectively. James should eclipse those numbers in at least one game. His season high in assists during the regular season last year was 11, but he reached that mark in five games. He's a substantial favorite to record over 11.5 assists once. In 2021-22, James recorded over 11.5 assists twice. There could be value on him under 11.5 assists at +190, meaning he would fail to reach Jordan's single-game high.

James had multiple games with over 14.5 rebounds last season, which is why his odds are long to go over that number in a single game.

Whatever happens this year won't settle the debate - unless James wins another title. The discourse focuses mostly on history, since James is past his prime and Jordan has been retired for two decades. Nonetheless, it's enjoyable to hypothesize, compare, and bet on - in some capacity - the two greatest basketball players who ever lived.

Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @soshtry for more betting coverage.