Methodology & Data Sources
Transparency about how we collect, process, and present our data.
Data Sources
Basketball Reference (basketball-reference.com)
Our primary source for game-by-game logs, career statistics, and advanced metrics. Basketball Reference is the gold standard for historical NBA statistics and is maintained by Sports Reference, LLC.
NBA.com Official Stats API
Used for player tracking data (available from 2013-14 onward), shooting zone breakdowns, and real-time game data during the current season.
Key Statistics Explained
Game Score
Developed by John Hollinger. Formula: PTS + 0.4*FGM - 0.7*FGA - 0.4*(FTA-FTM) + 0.7*ORB + 0.3*DRB + STL + 0.7*AST + 0.7*BLK - 0.4*PF - TOV. A single-game metric that estimates a player's productivity. Average is around 10; elite performances are 30+.
PER (Player Efficiency Rating)
A per-minute rating that accounts for positive and negative contributions. League average is 15.0. Values above 25 indicate MVP-caliber seasons. Jordan holds the career record at 27.91; LeBron is 2nd at ~27.1.
True Shooting % (TS%)
Measures scoring efficiency accounting for 2-pointers, 3-pointers, and free throws. Formula: PTS / (2 * (FGA + 0.44 * FTA)). League average is around 56-57%. Both players are above average.
Win Shares
Estimates the number of wins a player contributed to their team. A cumulative stat that rewards longevity and sustained excellence. LeBron leads all-time due to more seasons played at an elite level.
VORP (Value Over Replacement Player)
Measures a player's total contribution compared to a replacement-level player over the course of a season. LeBron holds the all-time career VORP record.
Split Calculations
Our split statistics (home/away, wins/losses, monthly, etc.) are calculated from individual game logs — >3,300 combined games across both players' careers. Per-game averages are calculated from the sum of all games in each category. Shooting percentages use total makes and attempts, not averages of averages.
Update Frequency
During the NBA season, LeBron's current-season stats are updated periodically. Michael Jordan's career statistics are final and do not change. Historical data is occasionally revised when Basketball Reference corrects their records.
Known Limitations
- - Player tracking data is only available from the 2013-14 season onward. This data does not exist for Michael Jordan's playing career.
- - Shot chart data with precise court locations is only available from the 1996-97 season onward.
- - Playoff round assignments in game logs are estimated based on game sequence within each playoff season.
- - Era comparisons are inherently imperfect — rule changes, pace differences, and competition levels make direct stat comparisons approximate.
- - Quarter-by-quarter data is not currently available in our game log dataset.
Accuracy Commitment
We cross-reference multiple sources to ensure accuracy. If you notice any statistical errors, please let us know. Our goal is to be the most accurate and comprehensive LeBron vs Jordan comparison resource available.