The LeBron James vs Michael Jordan debate heated up once again after the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar admitted that he is chasing the Chicago Bulls icon's accomplishment. But for Jordan's former teammate, James should stop comparing himself to the Hall of Famer.
James, who just won his third NBA championship earlier this year, told that he has one great motivation. The four-time NBA Most Valuable Player told Sports Illustrated that he is chasing after a ghost, referring to Jordan.
The Cavs superstar then said that his situation is different from Jordan's before. But for him, being lined up with Jordan or putting himself at par with who is considered as the greatest basketball player ever is extraordinary.
"What I've gone through is totally different than what he went through," James said of Jordan. "What he did was unbelievable, and I watched it unfold. I looked up to him so much. I think it's cool to put myself in position to be one of those great players."
James is continuously being compared to Jordan, but most fans are still siding on the Bulls superstar mainly because of his championship record. Jordan won six NBA championship with Bulls without losing in a final series. James, on the other hand, has a 3-4 record in the finals.
Reacting to James' statement, Armstrong told ESPN that chasing the "ghost" is unachievable and comparing himself to Jordan will just make him feel unfulfilled. The retired guard, who won three championships with Jordan, said that James cannot be Michael Jordan because their circumstances are way different.
Armstrong said that James should just focus on dominating every situation. He then offered a piece of advice to the Cavs forward, which he also learned from Jordan during their time together in Chicago.
"If you want to be the best, get rid of the comparisons," Armstrong said. "Get rid of all the comparisons that are out there. That's what Michael Jordan did. Jordan realized that in order to be the best, you had to get rid of all the comparisons."
Armstrong said that James should step on the court always trying to prove that he is the best and do not think of all the comparisons. "Every year is an opportunity for him to raise his level to the best of the best," he said.
Watch the video below to know more about James' statement on chasing Jordan.