Published 17:05 IST, June 8th 2020

LeBron James ranks above Michael Jordan as the top playoff performer in recent research

Recent research has named Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James the best playoff player in NBA history, placing him above Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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LeBron James vs Michael Jordan has been a debate that has rd for long, years after Jordan hung up his boots. While Chicago Bulls legend is credited with resurrecting franchise, many view LeBron James as closest contender to Jordan's throne. Recent research has w named LeBron James best playoff player in NBA history, placing him above Michael Jordan.

research states that in 45 playoffs series of his career, James has h highest 'Game Score' of any player in that series a massive 38 times. Hoopshype conducted research with playoff GameScore ratings. This vanced stat was created by former Memphis Grizzlies front-office member John Hollinger, which gives 'a rough measure of a player’s productivity for a single game'.

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LeBron James top playoff performer: Michael Jordan playoff stats vs LeBron James playoff stats

As per GameScore, LeBron James has been top player in more playoff series than any or player. His 38 out of 44 playoff series score gives him an 84.4 percent. Michael Jordan stands second on list and has t been best player only twice out of his 37 playoffs series. Jordan also has a better percent of 94.6 percent. However, James maintains his first spot with 38 playoff series at . 1, while Jordan comes second with 35. 

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Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin Durant and Reggie Miller also rank high on list. Olajuwon, like Shaquille O'Neal, was ranked as . 1 statistical player in 19 playoff series. Durant achieved feat in 15 series, which was three more than late NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Miller and Dwyane We stand at 11 series. 

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Hoopshype also clarified that data is only till 1983-84 season. Half data for players like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird is unavailable, while exploits of NBA legends like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's data cant be analysed. However, site ded that y would t beat Jordan or James simply based on number of series y have played. 

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Or reports state that LeBron James and Michael Jordan's score increased over postseason, inste of decreasing like most players as teams opt to play more defensively. During postseason, Jordan averd 33.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game in playoffs, while he scored 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists in regular season. As per LeBron James stats, he was averaging 27.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game in regular season as compared to 28.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in playoffs.

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Both James and Jordan have been compared ever since Los Angeles Lakers star started his NBA career. Some people claim that James is greatest of all time, while many choose Michael Jordan. Denver Nuggets he coach Michael Malone, who coached James while he was with Cleveland Cavaliers, differentiated between James and Jordan in April. He stated that 'LeBron did t have same mindset or killer mentality that Michael Jordan is supposed to have h'. However, he ded that 'LeBron James is arguably greatest of all time as well'.

17:05 IST, June 8th 2020