Comparing 39-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James

• Comparing 39-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James

 

be aware that a significant portion of the NBA fan base would be interested in learning who of LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the best player at 39 years old. We shall determine the victor of this fascinating comparison by examining nine distinct stats categories.

We’ll compare those three legends from the seasons when they turned 39 as a point of reference:

2023–2024 James LeBron (age 39)

2002–2003 Michael Jordan (Age of 39)

1986–1987 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, age 39

PPG, or points per game
1. LeBron James – 3 points per game, 25.3 PPG

2. Michael Jordan scored two points at 20.0 PPG.

3. (1 Point) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 17.5 PPG

LeBron James takes the top spot and three points in the scoring department as he emerges as a dominant force with an amazing 25.3 points per game on average. Even though he’s not as good as he once was (20.0 points per game), Michael Jordan still shows off his scoring ability by scoring two points. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scores one point and shows his continued efficacy as an offensive player with 17.5 points per game.

Per-Game Rebounds (RPG)
1. LeBron James: 3 points at 7.3 RPG

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 2 points with 6.7 RPG

3. Michael Jordan (1 Point; 6.1 RPG)

Michael Jordan leads the league in steals per game (1.5), demonstrating his ability to stymie opposing offenses and reinforcing his defensive brilliance. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar displays his defensive prowess with 0.6 thefts per game, closely followed by LeBron James with 1.2 steals per game.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has the highest block percentage (BPG) with 1.2 (3 points).

2. LeBron James: two points with 0.6 BPG

3. 1 point and 0.5 BPG from Michael Jordan

The man known for stopping shots, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, leads the team in blocks per game (1.2), demonstrating his defensive presence in the paint. LeBron James is next in the category with 0.6 blocks per game, and Michael Jordan is last with 0.5 blocks per game.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 56.4 FG% (3 Points) – Shooting Percentages

2. LeBron James: 2 points, 53.0 FG%

3. Michael Jordan: 1 point, 44.5 FG%

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leads the league in shooting efficiency with a remarkable 56.4% field goal percentage, which demonstrates his skill at scoring points quickly. LeBron James is next, coming in at 53.0%, demonstrating his high percentage of scoring opportunity conversion. Despite his strength, Michael Jordan is not as good as he once was—his field goal percentage is 44.5%.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar set the winning record with 65-17 (3 points).

2. LeBron James – 2 points, 41-32*

3. Michael Jordan: 1 point, 37-45

* The season is still ongoing

With an astounding 65-17 winning record, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar demonstrates his ability to guide his team to success even at a senior age. LeBron James shows his tenacity and ability to compete at a high level with his 41-32* record. With a 37-45 record, Michael Jordan demonstrates his competitive spirit in spite of obstacles on the court.

Honors T1. Michael Jordan: Three Points as an All-Star

T1. Three points for All-Star LeBron James

T1. All-Star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (3 Points)

In terms of honors, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan all secured All-Star nominations, which cemented their place in basketball history.

First Place Winner: LeBron James, 21 points (5 Won Categories)

2. With eighteen points (four categories won), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

3. Michael Jordan: Two categories won and sixteen points