There seems to be no end to the comparisons between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, but is there one aspect Mike outshines Bron completely? Well, there could be many, including NBA titles and his winning record in the NBA Finals series. But there seems to be one psychological advantage, too, that MJ had over Bron, as claimed by Tim Hardaway recently. The former NBA star, however, believes that even though King James lacks in this one particular aspect, there’s someone in the Los Angeles Lakers who displays similar traits to MJ.
When the man facing you is widely known as Black Jesus and has never walked away from an NBA Finals without a ring, that kind of reputation speaks for itself. Add his killer instinct to the mix, and you’re already up against a psychological wall. If you watched MJ in action, you know exactly what we’re talking about—he wasn’t just great; he was terrifying. Opponents thought twice before trash-talking him because all it did was light a fire in him. According to former NBA star Tim Hardaway, that’s where LeBron comes up short.
In Tim’s words, “People feared Jordan. People don’t fear LeBron.” He went to the extent of claiming Luka Doncic instills more fear in the league than Bron does. “They fear Luka more than they fear LeBron James because Luka give to you all type of places and do all type of things and make you embarrassed.” Now, when Penny says on GOHT Media that Jordan commanded fear in the league, it means something because the former NBA star had once stated he didn’t fear Jordan like others did.
Plenty of guards folded under Michael Jordan’s mental pressure, but not Hardaway. The guy’s mentality was shaped in environments where backing down wasn’t an option. “I grew up in a place where you’ve got to go out there and kill your man,” Hardaway said. “Where it’s me to you, and I know when I get the ball, it’s me. So, now, I wasn’t intimidated by Michael Jordan because I grew up in that setting every day.”
1990 FILE PHOTO; Orlando, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan wearing (12) during a game against the Orlando Magic at the Orlando Arena on a night when Jordan’s regular jersey was stolen. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright 1990 USA TODAY Sports
Now, only one who understands fear can overpower it. So, there is hardly any reason to doubt Hardaway’s claim of Mike instilling a sense of fear in his opponents. As for Bron, Hardway has had his fair share of complaints with King James’ gameplay.
Tim Hardaway claimed LeBron James is not as efficient in late-game situations
What truly defines a superstar in the NBA? According to Tim Hardaway, it’s not just about stats or longevity—it’s about who you trust when the clock is ticking. While chatting on the Gil’s Arena podcast, Hardaway made it clear: LeBron James isn’t that guy in clutch situations.
He didn’t hesitate to name the players he believes step up when everything’s on the line—Luka Doncic, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Steph Curry. “If you have a team that can stop you from making shots and you go on the other end and you know you have that one guy who can make shots like Luka, like Kobe, like Michael,” Hardaway said.
Penny further stated he didn’t mention Bron because, according to him, the 4x NBA champ cannot do it. He circled back to the 2016 Finals, reminding everyone who hit the dagger that shocked the Warriors. “I’m just telling you the truth,” he added. “… Need a basket, I can’t go to you. Who did he go to for game? Kyrie Irving.”
Hardaway’s stance might not sit well with LeBron fans, but his words were definitely enough to spark a debate worth having. And that’s something he’s done once again with his recent remarks about Luka Doncic being more fearsome in the league than LeBron James when compared to Michael Jordan.
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