Bill Laimbeer on James vs. Jordan debate: 'No question I'd take LeBron'

As a member of the Bad Boy-era Detroit Pistons, Bill Laimbeer went toe-to-toe with Michael Jordan's Central Division-rival Chicago Bulls, including four straight playoff meetings between 1988 and 1991.

Laimbeer's Pistons emerged victorious in three of those four series, serving as the final hill Jordan and co. had to climb before Chicago's run of six championships in eight years.

In other words, Laimbeer knows a thing or two about His Airness.

But perhaps all of the losing Laimbeer witnessed Jordan endure manipulated his memory, because he apparently doesn't believe MJ was a complete enough basketball player to compete with a prime LeBron James.

On one hand, it's refreshing to hear an old-timer at least consider the possibility that LeBron may be the best to ever do it. On the other, Laimbeer sounds as though he's quickly forgotten how dominant and complete a player Jordan was.

In Thursday's appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Laimbeer repeatedly mentioned LeBron's ability to rebound and rack up assists as his main advantage over a less dynamic Jordan. "LeBron can get you 18 rebounds, LeBron can get you 15 assists," Laimbeer said.

For what it's worth, while James has an advantage with respect to per-game and percentage metrics, Jordan has career-highs of 19 rebounds and 17 assists. In other words, while James is the superior rebounder and passer overall, it's not like Jordan couldn't also get his team boards and dimes, or complement his otherworldly scoring by filling a stat sheet, too.

In any event, the fact that those with intimate knowledge of the NBA game are legitimately discussing how LeBron stacks up to Jordan is an indication of how truly special King James is.