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LeBron James has been compared to Michael Jordan many times in his career, but he still has a long way to go before he overtakes Jordan in the championships department -- or, if you believe Jordan, in a game of one-on-one. In an interview promoting the NBA 2K14 game, Jordan said that if he were in his prime, he wouldn't lose to LeBron in a solo matchup. LeBron (6-foot-8, 250 pounds) would have a significant size advantage over Jordan (6-6, 216), but MJ would have the edge in pure shooting. Honestly, given his legendary competitiveness, we're not sure we'd bet against Jordan, even if it were later on in his career.

Here's a sampling of what readers had to say in our Facebook conversation on the story:

What do you think? Leave your comments below.

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Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/Getty Images

LeBron James to keep quiet on 2014

Take a good listen, LeBron James prospectors. This might be the last you hear from the King about his impending (possible) free agency. At Miami Heat media day Monday, the four-time MVP and two-time defending NBA champion said he no longer will talk about next summer, when he can opt out of his six-year deal. In other words, prepare for a near-repeat of the summer of 2010, when James' dithering led to his infamous -- and famous, in South Florida -- Decision. Should Heat fans be nervous?

LeBron James says he won't talk anymore about his potential free agency in 2014. How should he handle the situation?

  •  
    89%
  •  
    11%

Discuss (Total votes: 32,258)

  • Will LeBron James (possible free agent after the 2013-14 season) re-sign with the Heat?

    •  
      57%
    •  
      43%

    Discuss (Total votes: 32,325)

  • Would you fault LeBron James if he signed with a team other than the Heat after the 2014 season?

    •  
      24%
    •  
      76%

    Discuss (Total votes: 6,780)

  • Which team other than the Heat would be the best fit for LeBron James?

    •  
      52%
    •  
      17%
    •  
      31%

    Discuss (Total votes: 6,747)

  • If you were a Cavaliers fan, would you want LeBron James to come back to Cleveland?

    •  
      79%
    •  
      21%

    Discuss (Total votes: 6,731)

  • What do you want to see LeBron James do?

    •  
      40%
    •  
      60%

    Discuss (Total votes: 46,542)

  • Will the Heat win a third straight championship this season?

    •  
      58%
    •  
      42%

    Discuss (Total votes: 6,501)

Comment »

Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/Getty Images

LeBron James to keep quiet on 2014

Take a good listen, LeBron James prospectors. This might be the last you hear from the King about his impending (possible) free agency. At Miami Heat media day Monday, the four-time MVP and two-time defending NBA champion said he no longer will talk about next summer, when he can opt out of his six-year deal. In other words, prepare for a near-repeat of the summer of 2010, when James' dithering led to his infamous -- and famous, in South Florida -- Decision. Should Heat fans be nervous?

LeBron James says he won't talk anymore about his potential free agency in 2014. How should he handle the situation?

  •  
    89%
  •  
    11%

Discuss (Total votes: 32,258)

  • Will LeBron James (possible free agent after the 2013-14 season) re-sign with the Heat?

    •  
      57%
    •  
      43%

    Discuss (Total votes: 32,325)

  • Would you fault LeBron James if he signed with a team other than the Heat after the 2014 season?

    •  
      24%
    •  
      76%

    Discuss (Total votes: 6,780)

  • Which team other than the Heat would be the best fit for LeBron James?

    •  
      52%
    •  
      17%
    •  
      31%

    Discuss (Total votes: 6,747)

  • If you were a Cavaliers fan, would you want LeBron James to come back to Cleveland?

    •  
      79%
    •  
      21%

    Discuss (Total votes: 6,731)

  • What do you want to see LeBron James do?

    •  
      40%
    •  
      60%

    Discuss (Total votes: 46,542)

  • Will the Heat win a third straight championship this season?

    •  
      58%
    •  
      42%

    Discuss (Total votes: 6,501)

Comment »

LeBron James has won four of the past five NBA Most Valuable Player awards -- Kevin Durant has placed second in three of those four years. Will this be the season Durant finally takes the crown as the league's best player, or is LeBron the favorite to become just the fourth player in NBA history to win three consecutive MVP awards? Where does the reigning scoring champion Carmelo Anthony fit in? Is young Kyrie Irving on your radar?

The NBA ESPN Forecast panel had their say, and now it's time for SportsNation to weigh in. Set your rankings below, then head to Twitter to join the discussion via #ESPNForecast.

NBA MVP candidates

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony

Knicks, F
2012-13: 28.7 PPG, 2.6 APG, 6.9 RPG

Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry

Warriors, G
2012-13: 22.9 PPG, 6.9 APG, 4.0 RPG

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan

Spurs, F
2012-13: 17.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.7 BPG

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant

Thunder, F
2012-13: 28.1 PPG, 4.6 APG, 7.9 RPG

Paul George

Paul George

Pacers, F
2012-13: 17.4 PPG, 4.1 APG, 7.6 RPG

James Harden

James Harden

Rockets, G
2012-13: 25.9 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.9 RPG

Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard

Rockets, C
2012-13: 17.1 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.4 BPG

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving

Cavaliers, G
2012-13: 22.5 PPG, 5.9 APG, 3.7 RPG

LeBron James

LeBron James

Heat, F
2012-13: 26.8 PPG, 7.3 APG, 8.0 RPG

Tony Parker

Tony Parker

Spurs, G
2012-13: 20.3 PPG, 7.6 APG, 3.0 RPG

Chris Paul

Chris Paul

Clippers, G
2012-13: 16.9 PPG, 9.7 APG, 3.7 RPG

Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose

Bulls, G
2011-12: 21.8 PPG, 7.9 APG, 3.4 RPG

Your Rankings

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From King to President James?

LeBron James has excelled at everything's he's done -- on the basketball court (four-time NBA MVP, two-time Finals MVP, etc.), endorsement commercials (Nike, Coca-Cola, Samsung, etc.), charitable work through the LeBron James Family Foundation, and so on. He was even ranked by Forbes as one of the world's most influential athletes. But would his golden touch help turnaround the NBA Players Association?

Would LeBron James make a good National Basketball Players Association president?

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    44%
  •  
    56%

Discuss (Total votes: 14,941)

  • What chance do you give LeBron James of being elected the National Basketball Players Association's president?

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      31%
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      51%
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      18%

    Discuss (Total votes: 14,703)

  • What grade would you give Derek Fisher's seven-year reign as president of the NBAPA?

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      19%
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      43%
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      24%
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      6%
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      8%

    Discuss (Total votes: 2,234)

Comment »

 

A power forward's job is to control the low block area -- they are able to play with their backs to the basket as well as step out to nail a mid-range jumper. Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett are known to have that skillset. Some are also known for their ability to intimidate with powerful dunks, like Blake Griffin. Then you have the Carmelo Anthony and Dirk Nowitzki types who can pretty much do it all, from inside the paint to outside the arc. How do you round out the NBA's best at the four position? NBA insider Bradford Doolittle had his say and so did the NBA 5-on-5 crew, but now it's time for SportsNation to weigh in.

Rank 'Em: Point guards | Shooting guards | Centers | NBA teams' under-25 talent

NBA Power Forwards

LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge

Portland Trail Blazers
2012-13: 21.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.2 BPG

Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson

Pelicans
2012-13: 16.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 0.4 BPG

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony

Knicks
2012-13: 28.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.6 APG

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis

Pelicans
2012-13: 13.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.8 BPG

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan

Spurs
2012-13: 17.8 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.7 BPG

Kenneth Faried

Kenneth Faried

Nuggets
2012-13: 11.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.0 APG

Derrick Favors

Derrick Favors

Jazz
2012-13: 9.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.7 APG

Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett

Nets
2012-13: 14.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 0.9 BPG

Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol

Lakers
2012-13: 13.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin

Clippers
2012-13: 18.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 0.6 BPG

Al Horford

Al Horford

Hawks
2012-13: 17.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.1 BPG

Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka

Thunder
2012-13: 13.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.0 BPG

LeBron James

LeBron James

Heat
2012-13: 26.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 7.3 APG

David Lee

David Lee

Warriors
2012-13: 18.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 0.3 BPG

Kevin Love

Kevin Love

Timberwolves
2012-13: 18.3 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 0.5 BPG

Paul Millsap

Paul Millsap

Hawks
2012-13: 14.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.0 BPG

Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki

Mavericks
2012-13: 17.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.7 BPG

Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph

Grizzlies
2012-13: 15.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 0.4 BPG

Josh Smith

Josh Smith

Pistons
2012-13: 17.5 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 4.2 APG

David West

David West

Pacers
2012-13: 17.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 0.9 BPG

Your Rankings

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AP Photo/Sharon Ellman

LeBron James in the NFL?

LeBron James is considering running for president of the National Basketball Players Association, but Dez Bryant thinks LeBron would excel in another off-court activity. Bryant said that LeBron, who was a star football player in high school, could make it in the NFL as a receiver or tight end. LeBron certainly has the size for the position, and it's not like he's never played the sport before, but the two sports have very little in common. Still, if any basketball player could make such a transition, it'd be LeBron.

  • Dez Bryant thinks that LeBron James would be a ''beast'' in the NFL. What kind of NFL player would LeBron James be?

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      32%
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      35%
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      15%
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      18%

    Discuss (Total votes: 43,509)

  • Where would be LeBron James' best football position?

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      39%
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      53%
    •  
      8%

    Discuss (Total votes: 31,234)

  • Will we ever see another two-sport star in the mold of Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders?

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      39%
    •  
      61%

    Discuss (Total votes: 29,818)

  • If you were equally talented in all four major American sports, which league would you most want to play in?

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      30%
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      38%
    •  
      27%
    •  
      5%

    Discuss (Total votes: 28,810)

Comment »

Whom do you love? When it comes to the NBA, it appears fans now prefer LeBron James. Yes, according to the latest ESPN Sports Poll, the Miami Heat star -- he of the ill-received "The Decision," but also of the last two MVPs and NBA championships -- took first for the first time in four years, named a favorite by 12.9 percent of fans. Among others, he bested fellow multiple champion Kobe Bryant (12.5 percent). Rounding out the top five: Kevin Durant (3.6), Derrick Rose (2.8) and Dwyane Wade (2.6). Who are your favorites? Make your picks from this list of stars!

Your favorite NBA players

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony

New York Knicks

Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh

Miami Heat

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers

Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant

Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett

Brooklyn Nets

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin

Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden

James Harden

Houston Rockets

Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard

Houston Rockets

Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving

Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James

LeBron James

Miami Heat

Kevin Love

Kevin Love

Minnesota Timberwolves

Steve Nash

Steve Nash

Los Angeles Lakers

Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas Mavericks

Tony Parker

Tony Parker

San Antonio Spurs

Chris Paul

Chris Paul

Los Angeles Clippers

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce

Brooklyn Nets

Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph

Memphis Grizzlies

Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo

Boston Celtics

Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose

Chicago Bulls

Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade

Miami Heat

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City Thunder

Deron Williams

Deron Williams

Brooklyn Nets

Your Rankings

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Comment »

Lakers eye LeBron and Melo in 2014

According to sources, the Lakers are looking to make a big splash during the 2014 free-agency period by going after both LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Do you think the Lakers would have a real shot at landing both superstars? And if they did, could Kobe Bryant handle a diminished role on the team? Cast your vote now!

  • What do you think of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony both joining the Lakers?

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      27%
    •  
      73%

    Discuss (Total votes: 30,496)

  • Would a Lakers team composed of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony be a lock to win a title in 2014?

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      64%
    •  
      36%

    Discuss (Total votes: 30,231)

  • Where will LeBron James be playing at the start of the 2014 season?

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      59%
    •  
      12%
    •  
      23%
    •  
      6%

    Discuss (Total votes: 27,895)

  • Where will Carmelo Anthony be playing at the start of the 2014 season?

    •  
      42%
    •  
      41%
    •  
      17%

    Discuss (Total votes: 27,621)

  • Would Kobe Bryant and LeBron James be able to co-exist on the Lakers?

    •  
      44%
    •  
      56%

    Discuss (Total votes: 29,232)

  • Would you be OK with LeBron James leaving the Heat via free agency?

    •  
      54%
    •  
      29%
    •  
      17%

    Discuss (Total votes: 26,507)

  • Over the next five years, which franchise would give Carmelo Anthony a better shot at winning a title?

    •  
      34%
    •  
      66%

    Discuss (Total votes: 24,964)

  • Who is more likely to win an NBA title over the next three years?

    •  
      48%
    •  
      52%

    Discuss (Total votes: 25,085)

Comment »

LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan

LeBron James often has been compared (negatively) to Michael Jordan, but there's an interesting parallel between their careers. James has won his first two championships at the same age that Jordan did, which means he still has plenty of time to challenge Jordan's mark of six titles. Surpassing Jordan is no small task, but considering how transcendent James was this season, we'd say he has a chance.

Who will be remembered as the greater player?

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    23%
  •  
    77%

Discuss (Total votes: 32,442)

  • How many total championships will LeBron James win in his career?

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      28%
    •  
      36%
    •  
      21%
    •  
      6%
    •  
      9%

    Discuss (Total votes: 289,578)

  • Who would win a game of one-on-one if they faced each other during the primes of their careers?

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      37%
    •  
      63%

    Discuss (Total votes: 29,509)

  • Who would have an easier time adjusting?

    •  
      37%
    •  
      63%

    Discuss (Total votes: 28,999)

  • Is it fair to compare LeBron James to Michael Jordan?

    •  
      38%
    •  
      62%

    Discuss (Total votes: 29,132)

Comment »