I know a lot of Laker fans that have been saying this for years, but the media called us haters... Hm...
LeBron definitely plays closer to Pippen than either Jordan or Magic. Kobe and Wade both play a lot closer to Jordan than LeBron does. I don't think anybody plays like Magic.
I say Magic is a better comparison than Jordan because LeBron is nothing like Jordan. He's closer to Magic because he'd rather pass the ball to make the right play, not because their style is the same. LeBron doesn't have Magic's vision and Magic didn't have LeBron monster-roid body. It's a relative comparison, not really an actual one.
Agree... Both Pippen and James are alike as two way players. Both aren't explosive scorers who facilitate. Pippen is the superior defender and is a better set-up man on both sides of the ball meaning that he can organize the floor for his teammates. James is playground game personified.
^What ju sez... Johnson if were needed could will his way for points. There was a stretch in 1987 with Abdul-Jabbar out, he went seven straight games averaging over 30 not to mention dishing out his "normal" night's work of double figures assists and copping five to eight boards. And another thing, Johnson probably has more game winners than James has had at least more iconic and memorable ones.
Pippen doesn't have to cheapen what he is by tossing his hat into this discussion. He was a phenomenally good all-around basketball player and an elite defender. Who cares whether you're proto-LeBron? He's not the champion you were.
Lebron is a far better scorer, but Pippen by far the better defender. I get the gist of what he's saying, but it comes across as a little desperate to try and stay relevant IMHO
