Forget LeBron…Could Michael Jordan Even Beat Kevin Durant?

Dec 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats owner

unveils the new Charlotte Hornets logo at halftime during the game against the Utah Jazz at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Jordan is back in the news again, feeding internet trolls and ESPN’s news cycle simultaneously. Jordan answered questions for attendees of Michael Jordan’s Flight School, which took place in Santa Barbara, California. Questions ranged in subjects, from his favorite musical artist to who he’d want coaching him in one final game.

Inevitably, someone asked whether or not he could beat LeBron James one-on-one. Jordan’s response, not surprisingly, is that it wouldn’t be much of a competition:

"“This is the ESPN question,” Jordan said. “I know it’s going to be all over ESPN. If I was in my prime, could I beat Lebron in a one-on-one game? No question.”"

We’ve come to expect this kind of answer from Jordan; 12 years after retiring, he remains as über-competitive and confident as ever. The comparison, one made possible because there will never be a definitive answer, always centers around James, generally considered to be the best player in the NBA.

Jordan loyalists point to his gaudy production and six championships (having gone undefeated in six Finals appearances) while James’ supporters look to his imposing physicality and better all-around game as reasons why each might win against the other. Beyond that, they are both generational-type players who have transcended into global icons.

But while this particular comparison between Jordan and James always grabs headlines, maybe a more lopsided matchup would be between MJ and Oklahoma City superstar Kevin Durant.

Lopsided, because Durant would have a clear advantage over Jordan.

Next: The Physical Matchup