True Shooting Percentage
The most comprehensive measure of scoring efficiency, accounting for 2-pointers, 3-pointers, and free throws. League average is around 56-57%.
Career True Shooting %
Shooting Breakdown
| Metric | LeBron | Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| True Shooting % | 58.6% | 56.9% |
| Field Goal % | 50% | 50% |
| 3-Point % | 30% | 30% |
| Free Throw % | 70% | 80% |
LeBron Best TS% Seasons
Jordan Best TS% Seasons
Analysis
True Shooting Percentage is arguably the best single measure of scoring efficiency. Unlike field goal percentage, it accounts for the added value of three-pointers and the contribution of free throws. The formula is: PTS / (2 × (FGA + 0.44 × FTA)).
LeBron holds the edge here at 58.6% compared to Jordan's 56.9%. This 1.7-point gap is meaningful — it means LeBron scores slightly more efficiently per shooting opportunity. However, context is critical: Jordan played in an era before the three-point revolution, when league-average TS% was significantly lower.
Jordan's TS% was typically 4-5 points above league average during his prime. LeBron's has been 3-4 points above league average. When adjusted for era, their scoring efficiency is remarkably similar. Jordan achieved his efficiency primarily through elite mid-range shooting and getting to the free-throw line. LeBron achieves his through finishing at the rim and increasingly effective three-point shooting.
The shooting breakdown tells the story: Jordan was the superior free-throw shooter (80% vs 70%) and had a slightly higher field goal percentage (50% vs 50%). LeBron has the edge in three-point shooting (30% vs 30%), though neither is considered an elite perimeter shooter by modern standards. LeBron's overall TS% advantage comes from his shot selection — more layups and dunks, fewer long two-pointers.
FAQ
What is True Shooting Percentage?
True Shooting % (TS%) measures a player's scoring efficiency on a per-shot basis, accounting for all types of scoring (two-pointers, three-pointers, and free throws). It's considered the most accurate single measure of scoring efficiency because traditional FG% undervalues three-point shooting and ignores free throws entirely.
Who is more efficient, LeBron or Jordan?
By career TS%, LeBron (58.6%) is slightly more efficient than Jordan (56.9%). However, adjusting for era narrows the gap significantly, as league-average TS% has risen steadily since Jordan's playing days.
What is a good True Shooting %?
League average TS% is around 56-57%. A TS% above 58% is very good. Above 60% is elite for a high-volume scorer. Both LeBron and Jordan are well above average, especially impressive given their scoring volume (27+ PPG careers).