Cross-era · careers 18 years apart

LeBron James vs George Gervin

LeBron James 2003-2025 · Forward · active George Gervin 1976-1985 · Guard

LeBron James (2003-2025) and George Gervin (1976-1985) never shared an NBA court — their careers are separated by 18 years, so this is a cross-era comparison, not a head-to-head. On the floor, LeBron James was the higher-volume scorer (26.8 points per game to 26.2); adjusted for era they scored at 2.70× and 2.50× their league average respectively; LeBron James was the more efficient scorer (60.8% true shooting to 57.2%). LeBron James holds the edge on accolades — 4 MVPs, 4 championships, 4 Finals MVPs and the #3 all-time ranking to George Gervin's #54.

Career averages

LeBron JamesStatGeorge Gervin
26.8 Points / game 26.2
7.4 Rebounds / game 4.6
7.4 Assists / game 2.8
1.5 Steals / game 1.2
0.7 Blocks / game 0.9
50.8% Field goal % 51.0%
34.7% 3-point % 18.3%
73.7% Free throw % 84.5%
60.8% True shooting % 57.2%
1,622 Games played 791

Era-adjusted (× league average of their era)

LeBron JamesStatGeorge Gervin
2.70× Points vs era avg 2.50×
1.80× Rebounds vs era avg 1.04×
3.36× Assists vs era avg 1.13×

Advanced metrics

Advanced stats weren't tracked in George Gervin's era.

LeBron JamesStatGeorge Gervin
113.8 Offensive rating —
107.9 Defensive rating —
5.9 Net rating —
27.2% Usage % —
34.1% Assist % —
10.7% Rebound % —

Playoff averages

LeBron JamesStatGeorge Gervin
28.4 Points / game 27.0
9.0 Rebounds / game 5.8
7.2 Assists / game 3.2
1.7 Steals / game 1.2
1.0 Blocks / game 0.9
49.8% Field goal % 49.4%
33.2% 3-point % 0.0%
73.8% Free throw % 79.5%
292 Playoff games 59

Accolades

LeBron JamesStatGeorge Gervin
4 MVP awards 0
4 Finals MVP 0
4 Championships 0
21 All-Star selections 9
13 All-NBA 1st Team 5
#3 All-time GOAT rank #54

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