Imagine that you’re watching the greatest basketball match of all time with two of the greatest players. On one side, you’ve got the six-time champion and the utmost competitor Michael Jordan, while on the contrary, there’s Lebron James; the four-time MVP and the most versatile player ever. Who would you bet on? Who would you root for?  Who is better, Michael Jordan vs LeBron James? This petty question has divided fans, players, and analysts for years. We’ll examine the arguments in favor of and against each player to jump to a conclusion. 

Michael Jordan vs Lebron James: Early Careers

In 1984, Michael Jordan was drafted by the Chicago Bulls and played for the team till 1993 he retired from basketball and shifted his focus to baseball for a year for the Birmingham Barons that’s a minor league team affiliated with the Chicago White Sox before returning to the NBA in 1995.

In 2003, LeBron James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers and played for the team till 2010 when he joined Miami Heat from 2010 and played for them till 2014 before returning to the Cavaliers. 

Michael Jordan vs Lebron James Stats 

Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two of the greatest basketball players of all time. Jordan played 1,072 games and scored a total of 32,292 points throughout his career, while James has played 1,421 games and has scored 38,652 points. When it comes to distributing the ball, James has the edge with 10,420 assists compared to Jordan's 5,633. In terms of rebounding, James also has the advantage, grabbing 10,667 rebounds compared to Jordan's 6,672. 

Both players are known for their defensive prowess, with Jordan amassing 2,514 steals and 10,073 blocks, while James has recorded 2,186 steals and 893 blocks. When it comes to shooting percentages, James has a higher field goal percentage at 54.50% compared to Jordan's 50.90%. In terms of three-point shooting, James also has a slight edge with a 34.50% three-point percentage compared to Jordan's 32.70%. However, Jordan has the upper hand in free throw shooting, with an 83.50% free throw percentage compared to James' 73.50%.

Jordan vs. LeBron Accolades

Michael Jordan has won five regular season MVP awards and six NBA Finals MVP awards while Lebron James bagged himself  four regular season MVP awards and four NBA Finals MVP awards. All in all, Jordan has won six NBA championships throughout his career and James has won four. 

Michael Jordan’s Net Worth vs Lebron James’ Net Worth

As of June 2023, Michael Jordan holds a net worth of $2 billion and a major chunk of his fortune has come from his NBA salary, ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets (which he had sold for approximately $3 billion in June 2023) and endorsement deals from brands like Nike.

LeBron James on the other hand owns a net worth of $1 billion in 2023 and he’s the first active NBA player to become a billionaire. James has earned his major deal from his NBA salary, endorsement deals and investments in multiple businesses like Blaze Pizza and SpringHill Company.

Therefore, Michael Jordan has a higher net worth than LeBron James by about $1 billion.

Michael Jordan says Lebron is the best? Is it True?

This is false information that spread on social media in December 2018 as Michael Jordan has never stated that LeBron James was the greatest basketball player of all time. According to Snopes, the claim originally came from a fake tweet that circulated and was attributed towards Jordan. The tweet read:

"I want to congratulate @KingJames for becoming the greatest player of all time. He has surpassed me in every aspect of the game and I'm happy for him. #GOAT"

There’s no evidence that proves that Jordan ever tweeted or posted about james. In fact, he was always reluctant to make a comparison between himself and the active player as he considers this act as unfair and disrespectful to the other generations and players in basketball NBA history. Michael Jordan personally considers himself as the best player but not of 'all time’

Talking about James, yes, he’s called himself a great player in a footage from TNT which posted a video of Shaquille O’Neal asking Lebron James about being the greatest player of all time after he broke a score record. James replied that he would take himself against anybody that ever played the game and that he always feels like he is the best to ever play the game. Perhaps, this tweet is in no sense somewhat or even related to Michael Jordan.

Therefore, the claim that Michael Jordan said that LeBron James was the greatest basketball player of all time is entirely false and a rumor.

Who is better, Michael Jordan or LeBron James?

Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two of the greatest basketball players of all time. It is difficult to say definitively who is better, as they both have their own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the debate over who’s the better player is a matter of opinion. 

There’s clear consensus, and both players have strong arguments in their favor. It’s enough to note that both Jordan and James are elite in their own ways but I would personally choose Michael Jordan to take the cake for this one as he’s a  more prolific scorer, a better defender, and has won more championships. I have written an article comparing Kobe Bryant and Lebron James similar to Who is better, Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Do check it out. Share what you would choose among the two GOATS in the comments below!

In 2025, some of the world’s top athletes are earning huge amounts of money through their sports, brand deals and businesses. These athletes come from football, basketball, golf and other popular games. Their earnings include salaries, match winnings and endorsements from big companies. Let’s take a look at the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world and see how much they are earning.

Also Read: Women in Sports: Highest-paid women athletes in the world [2025]

10 Highest-Paid Athletes in the World

10. Kevin Durant | $101.4M

Kevin Durant’s Suns may not have made the playoffs, but his financial game stayed elite. His total earnings combine a $51.4 million salary with $50 million in off-court earnings through Boardroom Media and investments in Paris Saint-Germain.

He even has a soon-to-debut Netflix docuseries. His tequila brand, real estate moves, and a collaboration with Fanatics round out a sharp portfolio.

9. Shohei Ohtani | $102.5M

Though his Dodgers salary is deferred, Shohei Ohtani still walked away with $2.5 million in earnings plus postseason bonuses. But the reason he made it to this top-earners list is his headlining brand power.

Out of the total $102.5 million, $100 million came from endorsement deals across Japan and the U.S. That includes New Balance, Seiko, Beats by Dre, and a record-breaking Topps trading card sale.

8. Karim Benzema | $104M

The first footballer to enter the top 10, and for the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, most of Karim Benzema's earnings have come from his hefty salary from his contract with Al-Ittihad, where he earns over $2 million a week, resulting in a $100 million annual salary. 

Sponsors like Adidas remain loyal, even as he embraces a quieter lifestyle far from the European spotlight. Rumors now swirl about a possible shift to Major League Soccer as the 2026 World Cup nears.

7. Juan Soto | $114M

Juan Soto shattered expectations after signing a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, even by baseball’s high-spending standards. His on-field take hit $109 million. And thanks to the buzz he generated, the Mets’ ticket sales surged following his signing. 

At just 26, Juan’s popularity and endorsements by the likes of Call of Duty and top Dominican brands have made him baseball’s financial poster boy, earning $114 million this year.

6. LeBron James | $133.8M

LeBron James has amassed $133.8M, appearing in the sixth position. After more than two decades in the NBA spotlight, LeBron is still making history, not just on the court but also in his bank account.

While his Lakers stint earned him $48.8 million in salary, the larger story is off-court. His production company, SpringHill, is scaling up through a major merger, and he inked a deal to become the first athlete turned Ken doll.

5. Lionel Messi | $135M

Although he is the second-highest paid soccer player, Lionel Messi only ranks as the fifth-highest paid athlete. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner brought home $135 million.

To millions of people, Messi will forever be soccer’s GOAT. Naturally, his arrival in Major League Soccer wasn’t a mere player acquisition for Inter Miami but a transformative event for the league’s global standing. While his $60 million salary is a substantial figure, his endorsements with Adidas and Apple, alongside his own Mas+ beverage, earn him even more, around $75 million.

Also Read: 20 Highest-Paid Footballers in Saudi Pro League History

4. Dak Prescott | $137M

Dak Prescott, American professional football quarterback who plays for the Dallas Cowboys, earns $137 million this year. This quarterback-turned-financial-play-caller knows how to read a market as well as a defense. 

First, Prescott made history with a contract structure that paid him $127 million in salary and bonuses within 12 months. Next were endorsements with Jordan Brand and Lowe’s that added another $10 million to his name. He’s also building a gym empire in Texas via Crunch Fitness partnerships.

3. Tyson Fury | $146M

Boxer Tyson Fury claimed third place with $146 million. Despite losing his world heavyweight titles to Oleksandr Usyk in December, Fury's income has been boosted by partnerships promoting Maltese tourism and his Netflix reality show named “At Home With the Furys.”

2. Stephen Curry | $156M

Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry comes 2nd on the list of highest-paid athletes of the year, earning $156 million. Curry became the first NBA player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers in March this year. 

Of Curry's $156 million haul, $100 million comes from off-court dealings, including a major extension with Under Armour’s Curry Brand. He’s invested in everything from hydration startups to women’s basketball leagues. On the hardwood, he still drains threes while mentoring future stars at Davidson, where he now serves as an assistant GM.

Also Read: Most International Goals by Active Players (2025)

1. Cristiano Ronaldo | $275M

For the third year in a row, and the fifth time overall, Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest-paid athlete. At age 40, the Portuguese soccer superstar is reaching new highs.

Over the past 12 months, counting both his playing salary at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr and his off-field business endeavors, Ronaldo collected an estimated $275 million before taxes and agent fees - the third-best year by an active athlete ever measured by Forbes. On that all-time list, Ronaldo is surpassed only by boxer Floyd Mayweather, who earned $300 million in 2015 and $285 million in 2018.

Proper fitness and training are a must for every sportsperson today. No matter which field of sports you are associated with, a nutrition-rich diet, exercising, and taking extreme care of physical health are an absolute mandate.

World-renowned athletes also inspire the younger generation to emphasize their physical health and lead a disciplined life. On this note, let's take a look at the top 6 male fittest players in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest footballers of all time and a huge inspiration to billions. Apart from his football skills, the entire world knows Ronaldo for his chisled and well-featured physique.

The Portuguese captain had the physical capabilities of a 20-year-old when he joined Juventus in 2018. 

He had 7% body fat and a muscle mass of 50%. He weighs around 79 kg. The pivotal reason behind these extreme physical abilities is his dedication to fitness and his physical health.

No wonder his performances advanced at this level throughout the past years. 

Ronaldo focuses on his sleep and nutrition as he eats five times a day and sleeps 8 hours as well. The 39-year-old has an extreme fitness routine. He enjoys his cardio, pilates and strength exercises. 

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is undoubtedly the athlete who revolutionized the concept of fitness in India. He is one of the fittest athletes in India at the moment. The former Indian test skipper influenced, and still influences his teammates, the younger generation, and his fans to follow the path of a proper fitness regime.

There has been a massive improvement in his performance since he started eating clean and followed a definite path of athleticism.

Kohli weighs around 74.5-75 kg and has been maintaining that weight for the last few years. He is one of the fastest runners in cricket and focuses on nutrition and strength training to stay fit.

Mohamed Salah

The current Liverpool winger did not look like this when he left England in 2015 to join Italian Club Fiorentina and then Roma. However, since then, Egyptian footballers have become some of the fittest players in the world. 

He has a very low body fat percentage and maintains a disciplined life, making a lot of sacrifices to remain in shape. 

Salah generally has mixed variants of food to have all kinds of nutrition and then focuses on his training to stay fit. He normally trains twice a day if he is skipping his football practice. "My nutritionist says that because I don't have any fat on my body, I can eat what I want. I also don't drink, so it's fine," Salah told CNN in 2020. Discover the world of football with https://1xbitpakistan.com/

LeBron James

The 6 feet 8 inches tall LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. The 113-kilo weight basketballer is undoubtedly the oldest NBA player currently.

James, throughout his career, has remained fit and lean. However, in 2014, he gained some weight but then lost many kilos with his diet and training. "I am very consistent with training my body, rehabbing my body, eating, having my body be very clean throughout this journey because I've always wanted to have a long career, or as long as I could be in this space," James told Tim Ferriss in an interview in 2018. 

Moreover, he sleeps more than 8 hours a day and sometimes 9 or 10 to recover well.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the most influential figures in modern football. The 42-year-old, even after calling it a day, follows a strict regime to remain in his fittest form. According to GQItalia, his food items are carefully weighed on a scale.

No matter how small a quantity the food is, everything needs to be measured to the exact gram. Also, junk food is a strict no for him. His workout routine, along with a strict diet, are the reasons behind his fitness and strength

Rich Froning

This list would remain incomplete without Rich Froning, the greatest CrossFit athlete of all time. He is the first and only athlete to clinch the title of "Fittest Man on Earth" 4 times consecutively from 2011. He is immensely powerful and can deadlift 545 pounds. Also, he can snatch 300 pounds, and do 75 chin-ups after deadlifting 545 pounds. His interest in strength and CrossFit games began during his fire department training days.

Boston Celtics will host the Dallas Mavericks at the TD Arena for the NBA Finals (Game 2). Both the teams brought their A-game to the field. But the Celtics emerged victorious in Game 1 with a final score of 107-89. Jaylen Brown (22 points) and Kristaps Porzingis (20 points) led the scoreboard which helped the Celtics secure the win. The Mavericks fell short of 11 points with leading contributions from Luka Doncic (30 points) and PJ Washington (14 points).

We are heading to the NBA Finals 2024 (Game 2) where it's Goliath vs Goliath and it can be anybody's playoff at this point. The Celtics lead by 1-0 with an incredible comeback from Kristaps Porziginis who returned after a 39-day injury layoff and scored 20 points, adding three blocks and six rebounds in 21 minutes. 

The East vs West basketball saga for 2024 will head to its second chapter where anticipation is to the fullest as to who will achieve the win and head to Game 3. Boston will step in as the team leading the playoffs. All eyes will be on Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and recently returned Kristaps Porziginis as they aim to move forward with a (2-0) lead for the rest of the playoffs. But all has not been lost as Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic and PJ Washington will look for the win to tie the NBA Finals at (1-1).

 Let's take a look at the squad stats of the champions of Eastern Conference and Western Conference as they go head-to-head against each other in the NBA Finals 2024 (Game 2):

BOSTON CELTICS

Starting lineup:

Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum has scored 16 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 5 assists and 11 rebounds(2 offensive rebounds and 9 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Jaylen Brown

Eastern Conference Finals MVP Jaylen Brown has scored 22 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 2 assists and 6 rebounds(1 offensive rebound and 5 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	23.0
Assists per game	3.6
Rebounds per game	5.5
Steals per game	1.2

 

Derrick White

Derrick White has scored 15 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 5 assists and 2 rebounds(1 offensive rebound and 1 defensive rebound).

Stats per game:

Points per game	20.1
Assists per game	5.2
Rebounds per game	4.2
Steals per game	1.0

 

Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday has scored 12 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 5 assists and 8 rebounds(2 offensive rebounds and 6 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	12.5
Assists per game	4.8
Rebounds per game	5.4
Steals per game	0.9

 

Al Horford

Al Horford has scored 10 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 3 assists and 7 rebounds(2 offensive rebounds and 5 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	8.6
Assists per game	2.6
Rebounds per game	6.4
Steals per game	0.6

 

Super-sub : Kristaps Porziginis

Kristaps Porziginis scored 20 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 3 blocks and 6 rebounds(6 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	15.2
Blocks per game	1.9
Rebounds per game	7.2
Steals per game	0.7

 

DALLAS MAVERICKS

Starting lineup:

 Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving has scored 12 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 2 assists and 3 rebounds(3 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	25.6
Assists per game	5.2
Rebounds per game	5.0
Steals per game	1.3

 

Luka Doncic

Western Conference Finals MVP Luka Doncic has scored 30 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 1 assist and 10 rebounds(10 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	33.9
Assists per game	9.8
Rebounds per game	9.2
Steals per game	1.4

 

P.J. Washington 

P.J. Washington has scored 14 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 1 assist and 8 rebounds(3 offensive rebounds and 5 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	12.9
Assists per game	1.9
Rebounds per game	5.6
Steals per game	1.0

 

Derrick Jones Jr.

Derrick Jones Jr. has scored 5 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 6 rebounds(2 offensive rebounds and 4 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	8.6
Assists per game	1.0
Rebounds per game	3.3
Steals per game	0.7

 

Daniel Gafford

Daniel Gafford has scored 8 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 1 assist and 3 rebounds(3 offensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	11.0
Assists per game	1.6
Rebounds per game	7.6
Steals per game	0.9

 

Jaden Hardy

Jaden Hardy has scored 13 points in NBA Finals 2024 (Game 1) with 1 assist and 3 rebounds(3 defensive rebounds).

Stats per game:

Points per game	7.3
Assists per game	1.5
Rebounds per game	1.8
Steals per game	0.3

 

 The Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics will play on Sunday, June 9 in Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. Pacific time (8 p.m. Eastern time)

India put out a dominant show at the Asian Open Pickleball Championship as they finished with four gold and two bronze medals in Vietnam on Tuesday. 

Also Read: Neeraj Chopra confirms his participation at Federation Cup in Bhubaneswar

Four gold and two bronze medals for Team India

In the highly competitive team event at the Asian Open Pickleball Championship, which included two men's doubles, one mixed doubles, and one women's doubles match, team India displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, securing the gold medal.

Sachin Pahwa and Priyanka Chhabra gave India its first gold medal by defeating Ruben Hellberg and Chitlada Hemasee 11-9, 5-11, 11-9 in the final of 35-plus category mixed doubles. 

Whereas in women's doubles, the pair of Isha Lakhani and Pei Chuan Kao won the gold medal by defeating Dang Kim Ngan and Tyak K 15-7, 15-3. 

India's Aniket Patel and Rohit Patil won the gold medal in men's doubles. They overcame Nik Alessandro Isagan and Lester Ga in a hard-fought match.

Despite facing adverse conditions, Aniket and Rohit bounced back after losing the first set and eventually won with final scores of 5-11, 11-6, and 11-8.

Also Read: 70 relay teams qualify for the Paris Olympics at World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24

In the men's 35 plus category, Vijay Menon won the bronze medal by defeating Yu Hsuan Cher, while in the women's singles, Priyanka Chhabra defeated Marissa Phongsirikul to win another bronze medal for India at the Asian Open Pickleball Championship.

Pickleball is a combination of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. This is a fast-growing sport across the world and in the recently concluded Bengaluru Open 2024 more than 400 participants from 17 states participated.

In the US, the game is already skyrocketing in popularity with the likes of Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, and Maria Sharapova embracing the padel. Similarly, stars like Lebron James and Tom Brady have invested in professional teams. 

With a strong contingent of 35 individuals, the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) played a vital role in supporting India's talent on the international stage. 

Have you ever wondered what NBA players do during their downtime? NBA players have 82 games a season (and more if they make the playoffs), which means that a lot of their time is taken up by playing games, traveling all across the States (and occasionally into Canada), training, working out, and team meetings. This means that the small amount of downtime that NBA players get is important, so it is vital that they make the most out of this limited time. There are a few activities that are popular among NBA players during their downtime that help them temporarily forget about basketball and recharge.

 Rest

Being an NBA player is incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. Therefore, rest is vital when it comes to downtime. NBA players will spend much of their free time simply relaxing at home, recovering from the demands of the job.

Online Casino Games

Following this, many NBA players like to play different types of games when resting. Games like online casino games can be great fun, allowing NBA players to briefly forget about basketball and enjoy their free time. NBA players do not get many opportunities to visit real-life casinos, so online casinos can be a great alternative and provide the ability to play poker, roulette, blackjack, and other casino games from the comfort of home or on the road. You can also look on review sites for the best online casino bonuses Australia has to take advantage of deals and promotions.

Also Read: The NBA Today: A Look at Some of the Best and Worst Moments This Season 

Practice

Although basketball is a job, it is also a passion for NBA players. Therefore, it is not surprising that many will spend their downtime practicing, whether this is working on their shooting, dribbling, strength training, or improving their fitness.

Family Time

Many basketball fans dream of playing in the NBA, but it is not quite as glamorous as it might seem. NBA players must spend a lot of their time away from home playing an 82-game season (and possibly the playoffs) in cities all over the US and Canada (Toronto). This can take its toll, so it is important that NBA players spend quality time with family at every opportunity.

Business Ventures

You will find that many NBA players also have business ventures on the side. While the star players around the league will make eye-watching money each season that will set them and their families up for life, other NBA players do not earn as much (although many do still have other businesses). Many pursue ventures on the outside that will help them maintain a high standard of living once they hang up the boots.

Community Work

You will frequently see NBA players involved in community and charity work, which is fantastic to see. Of course, this is often part of the contract that they have with their team, but many partake in community work and philanthropic work on their own time. Many NBA players understand how lucky they are and will use their profile and resources to effect positive change in their communities to help those less fortunate.

Mental Wellness

As mentioned, life as an NBA player can be incredibly physically and mentally demanding. NBA players are under enormous pressure to perform to a high standard, and during a time of social media, many experience hate and negative comments. Therefore, it is no surprise that mental wellness is an important part of downtime for players. This can include meditation, mindfulness, spending time with loved ones, and therapy.

Downtime is precious to an NBA player, so it is vital that they have activities that they can turn to that will help them to recharge and recover. The above are a few of the main ways that NBA players do this and activities that help them manage the demands of life in the NBA.