Rings Count: Michael Jordan Takes Kobe Bryant Over LeBron James

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

With the weeklong celebration of all things Jordan as His Airness hits the big 5-0 there has been non-stop talk of Jordan’s legacy. Naturally the airwaves have been littered with discussions of LeBron James unseating Jordan one day in the near future.

Of course those arguments have one very fatal flaw – Kobe Bryant is the one King James is currently chasing, not Jordan.

But you’d expect that from a Lakers blogger. What you might not expect is MJ to share the same sentiments. Spare yourself the regurgitated arguments, for Jordan it’s simple.

"“If you had to pick between the two, that would be a tough choice but five beats one every time I look at it.”"

I can hear every one of you LeBron apologists counting his imaginary rings now.  For all we know he may very well reinvent the definition of greatness. But what all of you fail to comprehend is that an incomplete resume is just that.

I get why this topic has been so hot this week but the reality is there is nothing to discuss until James adds to his jewelry collection. Unlike other sports, when it comes to hoops the G.O.A.T. conversation always has and always will start with ring count. The rest is garnishment.