Phil Jackson Weighs In on Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James: The Finals Record That Still Stands

Phil Jackson, the 11-time NBA champion coach who guided legends like Michael Jordan, recently shared his thoughts on the GOAT debate in a resurfaced interview.

Respect for Both Legends

“You can’t take anything away from either player,” Jackson said. “They’re absolutely terrific players.” The Zen Master praised both Jordan and LeBron, acknowledging their unique skills and dominance on the court.

Jordan’s Untouchable Finals Record

When asked to compare, Jackson highlighted one key stat: Finals success. “Michael went to the Finals six times and won six championships,” he explained. “Seventh games, how many seventh games in the final series did Michael have to go through? Never. We won in six at the most. But the record stands, and that’s what happens in careers.”

A Changing Game

Jackson also noted that the NBA has evolved. “The game has changed. And the players have changed. And how the game has been played has also changed,” he said.

The Bottom Line

While he praised LeBron’s greatness, Jackson emphasized Jordan’s perfection in the Finals, leaving one fact clear: six Finals appearances, six championships—an untouchable legacy.