I don't understand why LBJ can't be #2 on the list. I fully admit he's one of the greatest players in history. He fully admits he's no Jordan. There are so many reasons he's not comparable, hasn't had to do as much. Let's run the gigantic list down.
1. Defense- MJ played when defense was real. He played against the toughest, dirtiest team in history. Nobody in the NBA is anything like the old Pistons. Hell, you can't even hand check or touch a player near the 3 point line. Harden constantly shows how ludicrous the idea of NBA defense is today. .
2. Size- MJ at 6'6" 218. LBJ at 6'8" between 250s and 270s. LBJ is the most gifted athlete that has ever played the game. Fast, strong, gigantic, smart. All that during a time when defense is historically bad. MJ isn't the same level of physical specimen. LBJ should be destroying teams like he is. MJ had to work at it. It was far harder(and far sweeter, 6-0!!!).
3. Different styles- LBJ is the more complete teammate. He does it all and is better than MJ at this. MJ was the scorer, the force that moved through people when it wasn't common to do so. LBJ is the complete package. He is an amazing player!
4. Teams- The teams were more balanced then too. No, 2-3 super teams with 3+ superstars on them. LBJ has played on a super team since the Heat and he's on one now. Love is a star and so is Kyrie. MJ had to work within the system and LBJ owns his system. He has far more power than Jordan ever did and has used it to fill his team as much as possible. They have spent more than any other team since LBJ got back. That's no coincidence.
5. Different era- MJ played during the time when players didn't take time off to rest when they felt like it. Games were more violent. Sports science and medicine wasn't as advanced. The game is more about superstars than super teams today. That has an affect.
These are the primary ones I focus on. Just like you can't compare Manning to Marino because defense was hobbled during Manning's career, you really can't compare the eras very well. MJ found ways to win on the biggest stage. You won't find him shitting out 11 point games. LBJ is the total package and the next best thing to MJ. He' s just not the best. Get over it.Kobe went straight from high school to be the closest clone to MJ possible. He still couldn't do it. LBJ is different and shouldn't be compared because he is different. He may get all the stats in the end, but he's no Jordan.
Caveat- If LBJ can beat this Warriors team? Then he might get there above Jordan. You have to win... not play second fiddle.