INSIDE: “The name will fade” – Gilbert Arenas explains why Michael Jordan only stays relevant because of LeBron James…READ MORE

As LeBron started stacking MVPs, championships and other historic milestones, social media was simultaneously transforming fan engagement.

This created the perfect environment for nonstop comparisons, where each of his accomplishments – be it on or off the court – was almost instantly compared to Jordan’s legacy. Ultimately, that obsession grew stronger over time, turning the GOAT debate into a permanent comparison battle.

So, according to Gil, Mike would have followed a similar trajectory if not for LeBron’s sustained excellence, which has continuously forced comparisons that keep Mike at the forefront. Even from a cultural standpoint, icons like Allen Iverson, who inspired an entire generation with his style and persona, are rarely mentioned in today’s mainstream media. However, the Jordan brand is still going strong.

Despite new-age analysts wanting to put more focus on current narratives and superstars, a big reason is that, as LeBron continues to grow his value off the court, Jordan fans are obliged to reinforce his supremacy at regular intervals.