A List of Striking Similarities Between LeBron James and Michael Jordan

11 Min Read

3. Coming Back from Controversy

LeBron Decision

When James made “The Decision” in July 2010 to play for the Miami Heat, it set off a firestorm of vitriolic comments about the way in which he went about delivering the news, especially with Cleveland fans. One night after that, he talked of winning up to seven NBA titles, which temporarily came back to haunt him 11 months later when the Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the finals. However, he did deliver two titles to Miami before coming back to the Cavaliers.

Jordan sparked controversy on two fronts during his career. His reluctance to enter the political fray because of the possible effect on the sales of his iconic Air Jordan shoes and his alleged gambling issues that supposedly had him connected to some unsavory individuals, resulted in negative publicity. However, after first retiring in 1993, Jordan returned in March 1995 and led his Chicago Bulls to three more titles.

Next: Off-Court Success


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Brad Sullivan is a lead writer for Cavaliers Nation. He has spent much of life in the Cleveland, Ohio area, and has remained a Cavalier fan from their 1970 beginnings through the return of LeBron James. While that fandom was sorely tested during the Reign of Error known simply by one word, Stepien, that overall historical perspective will be part of his writing for Cavaliers Nation in the months ahead.