Cardi B’s Bold and Dramatic Makeup Style

Cardi B is known worldwide for her unapologetic personality and over-the-top fashion and makeup looks. The Grammy award-winning rapper never shies away from bold colors, dramatic features, and eye-catching accessories. However, there are some classic and understated makeup styles that are unlikely to be seen on Cardi’s glam squad. While she pushes boundaries with her aesthetic, some natural, soft, and minimal looks just don’t align with her bold personality. Here are 5 makeup styles you probably won’t see Cardi B rocking anytime soon.

Natural Makeup

The natural makeup look focuses on enhancing one’s natural features with minimal products. Think light coverage foundation, a touch of mascara, defined brows, and a barely-there lip color. This look aims to look fresh-faced and like you just rolled out of bed. While a natural face is desirable for many, it’s just not Cardi’s style. She loves heavy glam and uses makeup as a creative outlet of self-expression. Cardi wants her makeup to stand out, not blend in. With her bold features and outgoing personality, natural makeup wouldn’t do her features justice. Fans are used to seeing her with thick winged eyeliner, bright eyeshadow, and statement lips. A natural face of makeup just wouldn’t wow audiences the way Cardi likes to.

Doe-Eyed Makeup

Soft eyeshadow colors, fluttery lashes, shimmery highlighter, and delicate eyeliner are hallmarks of the doe-eyed makeup look. This style creates an innocent, youthful appearance that makes eyes look extra wide and doll-like. While a cute look, it’s just not how Cardi would describe her aesthetic. She’s known for her bold confidence and unapologetic sex appeal. The doe-eyed look may work well for some, but it doesn’t align with Cardi’s image. She wants makeup that accentuates her features in a dramatic way, not one that makes her look childlike. Fans are used to seeing her with smoky eyeshadow, thick liner, and face-framing highlights – not soft washes of color and shimmer that this look utilizes. It’s just too innocent and understated for Cardi’s dramatic flair.

Greyscale Makeup

Monochromatic makeup using different shades of grey has become a popular edgy trend. From grey eyeshadow to lipstick and even brows, this look utilizes a cool color palette. While a creative take on makeup, grey isn’t a color Cardi gravitates towards. She loves brights, neons, and jewel tones that really make a statement. Grey is too muted and cool-toned for her bold aesthetic. Cardi wants makeup that draws attention, not blends into the background. Plus, her features really shine with warm-toned makeup that accentuates her skin and features. Grey makeup is a bit too stark and harsh-looking on her. Fans are used to seeing her rock colorful eyeshadows, glossy lips, and bronze cheeks – not a monotone face of greys. It’s just not a color palette that suits her dramatic style.

Matte Makeup

Matte makeup has gained popularity for its flawless, shine-free finish. But for Cardi B, a matte face just isn’t her vibe. She loves a dewy, glowing complexion with highlighted cheeks and glossy lips. Matte makeup can sometimes look flat or dull, especially under stage lights. Cardi wants her features to really pop and shine. Her signature makeup look involves glowy skin, metallic or shimmery eyeshadows, and high-gloss lip colors. She wants her makeup to look glamorous and add dimension to her face. A flat matte finish doesn’t provide that same level of glamour and dimension that fans have come to expect from Cardi. Her features really shine with dewy products that accentuate her natural glow. Matte makeup is just too muted for her dramatic style.

Korean Gradient Lips

The Korean gradient lip trend involves blending two or more lip colors together to create an ombré effect. While a popular Asian beauty trend, it’s just not something you’ll see Cardi rock. She loves a bold lip that makes a statement all on its own. Cardi gravitates towards one vibrant color all over the lips, whether it’s red, pink, or orange. She wants her lips to stand out, not blend together in a subtle gradient. Plus, the gradient look requires more precision and blending than she cares for on a daily basis. Cardi likes an easy, one-step lip that packs a punch. She’s more likely to rock a matte liquid lipstick in one bright shade than take the time to blend multiple tones. Her signature look involves big, bold lips – not the subtle ombré effect this trend provides. It’s just not dramatic enough for Cardi’s aesthetic tastes.

Of course, never say never with Cardi B. She’s known to push boundaries and experiment with new looks. One day she may surprise fans with one of these more understated styles. But for now, Cardi sticks to what she knows best – dramatic, colorful makeup that matches her outgoing personality. She uses glam as a creative outlet and wants her face to really stand out. Natural, soft, minimalist, or blended styles just don’t align with the over-the-top aesthetic she’s become famous for. While trends may come and go, bold makeup is undoubtedly Cardi B’s signature move. Fans can always count on her to rock show-stopping looks that demand attention – whether on stage or on the red carpet. Her dramatic flair and unapologetic confidence shine through no matter the makeup application.

In Game 5, the Milwaukee Bucks stunned the Indiana Pacers with a remarkable display of resiliency and collaboration. The incredible poise with which Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard accepted their team’s triumph added to the already amazing moment.

The Bucks demonstrated their depth and tenacity by winning a historic playoff series despite being without their top two scorers due to injuries. Antetokounmpo and Lillard remained composed and in control throughout, showing remarkable control over their emotions.

Their deeds are a potent reminder that good sportsmanship extends beyond personal success. It is about encouraging and helping teammates during difficult times. Their celebration served as a reminder of the value of harmony and the power of teamwork.

Antetokounmpo and Lillard set a wonderful example for ambitious sportsmen and fans alike by displaying moderation and demonstrating elegance and humility.

In the hopes that Giannis and Lillard can make a comeback, the Bucks will need to try to take the Pacers to a seventh game.

Milwaukee Bucks Overcome Pacers in Game 5 with a Never-Before-Seen Victory Despite Giannis and Damian Lillard’s Injuries

Shаq reveаls NBA goаt tіer lіst wіth fаns outrаged аt LeBron Jаmes’ рosition

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL has shared a controversial NBA goat pyramid which has LeBron James a long way off the top.

NBA icon Shaq posted the graphic on his Instagram page and fans were outraged.

LeBron James is one of the greatest to ever play the game of basketballCredit: Alamy

Shaq shared a controversial graphic on his Instagram accountCredit: Getty

Shaquille O’Neal posted this NBA goat table on InstagramCredit: Instagram/Shaquille O’Neal

The table ranked the greatest basketball players in history in one of five tiers.

Michael Jordan was the only person in tier 1 with five other legends in tier 2.

But modern-day great LeBron wasn’t one of the fab five in the second tier.

Kobe Bryant was joined by Shaq, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell.

But James was down in tier three alongside the likes of Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan and Larry Bird.

 

Fans couldn’t believe how low down LeBron was on the list.

One said: “How is LeBron tier 3 when he’s got more points than everybody here in less time with better field goal percentage.”

Another wrote: “Jordan, Lebron and Kobe in Tier 1 and Steph and KD need to be on Tier 2.”

And a third posted: “No way LeBron at tier 3, y’all hate this man for nothing.”

Four-time champion Stephen Curry was part of the club in tier four alongside Charles Barkley.

And the fifth tier featured the likes of Allen Iverson and Vince Carter.

Shaq was a four-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat during his iconic career.

He has gone on to become a much-loved analyst of NBA coverage on TNT.

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No more Bad Blood between Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift (Image: Kim and North TikTok/MEN)

Kim Kardashian seems to have turned a new leaf for the new year. Everyone’s favourite TikTok mother-daughter duo, Kim and North West, have posted a new dance video that has a lot of fans wondering if there is no more Bad Blood between Taylor Swift and the Kardashian-West family.

If you’re an avid TikTok scroller you’ll know North West has had her fair share of viral hits and takes every trend in her stride.

While the account is monitored by her mother Kim Kardashian, 42, North is the main poster, however she sometimes ropes Kim into taking part.

On Thursday, the 9 year old shared a video of her and her mom dancing and lip-syncing to Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake it Off’, which if you’re a pop-culture savant, you’ll know is a tad controversial choice in song.

The feud between Kim’s ex-husband Kanye West, 45, and Taylor Swift, 33, dates back to 2009 when Kanye infamously took the microphone from Taylor’s hand as she was accepting her award for Best Female Video at the VMA’s.

In 2016, Kanye West performed ‘Famous,’ which the lyrics included the line “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex. Why? I made that bitch famous.” The line was reportedly approved by Swift following a phone conversation between the pair where she “gave the thumbs up.”

After this report, a statement from Taylor’s team was released saying that “Kanye did not call for approval, but to ask Taylor to release his single ‘Famous’ on her Twitter account.”

Kim and daughter North show off their dance moves to Shake It Off (Image: Kim and North TikTok/MEN)

This is where Kim gets involved as she hit back at Taylor, calling her a ‘snake’ for saying she had ‘no idea’ Kanye would call her a ‘b****’ in the song.

Since Kim filed for a divorce from the rapper in February 2021, the reality TV star and entrepreneur seems to have distanced herself from any of her ex’s drama and last year even admitted to liking a lot of Swift’s songs.

“I really like a lot of her songs. They’re all super cute and catchy,” she said.

In recent interviews, Kim has also admitted it is tough work protecting her four children from their dad’s controversies, so taking part in North’s fun video shows she’s not willing to drag her kids through any old dramas.

 

In a display of humble heroism, the stars of the Bucks team, including the likes of Lillard and Giannis, have descended upon the Pacers headquarters to ready themselves for Game 6.

Despite their status as basketball icons, their arrival is marked not by ostentatious displays, but by a simple and gentle fashion.

 

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Embracing a down-to-earth demeanor, they eschew flashy attire for understated elegance, embodying the essence of humility even amidst the intensity of playoff preparation. Their unassuming style speaks volumes, reminding fans that greatness is not just about skill on the court, but about grace and humility off it as well.

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Comparing the greatness of Bill Russell and Michael Jordan in the context of NBA basketball is a challenging task due to their distinct eras and playing styles. Both players have left an indelible mark on the sport, shaping its history in profound ways.

Bill Russell, a dominant force in the 1950s and 1960s, was renowned for his defensive prowess, shot-blocking ability, and unmatched winning mentality. He led the Boston Celtics to an unprecedented 11 NBA championships, a record that still stands today. Russell’s impact extended beyond statistics, as he was the epitome of teamwork and leadership, elevating the performance of his teammates and revolutionizing the concept of team defense.

On the other hand, Michael Jordan emerged as the face of the NBA during the 1980s and 1990s, captivating audiences with his unparalleled scoring ability, athleticism, and competitive fire. Jordan’s six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, coupled with his five MVP awards, solidified his status as one of the greatest players of all time. His ability to take over games in crucial moments, combined with his unmatched work ethic and relentless drive to win, set a new standard for excellence in the sport.

 

When comparing the two legends, it’s essential to consider the context of their respective eras. Russell’s era was marked by fewer teams and a different style of play, where defense and teamwork were paramount. In contrast, Jordan competed in an era characterized by heightened athleticism, globalization of the sport, and increased media scrutiny.

In terms of individual statistics, Jordan often outshines Russell, boasting higher career scoring averages and numerous scoring titles. However, Russell’s impact extended far beyond statistics, as evidenced by his championship success and defensive prowess.

Ultimately, determining the greater player between Bill Russell and Michael Jordan is subjective and depends on various factors, including personal preferences, playing style preferences, and the criteria used for evaluation. While Jordan may be considered the more dominant individual player, Russell’s unmatched championship success and leadership qualities cannot be overlooked. Both players have left an enduring legacy on the NBA, cementing their status as two of the greatest to ever grace the hardwood.

Jordаn onсe dіshed on Bullѕ vѕ. LeBron’ѕ Lаkers – Who reіgns ѕupreme?

Mіchael Jordаn’s legendаry Chіcago Bullѕ of the 1990ѕ verѕuѕ LeBron Jаmes’ Loѕ Angeleѕ Lаkers teаms! Thіs іs а hyрothetical mаtchup thаt ѕparkѕ debаte аmong hаrdcore NBA fаns.

The Bullѕ won ѕix сhampionships іn eіght yeаrs (1991-1993, 1996-1998) wіth Jordаn аt the helm аlongside Sсottie Pіppen, Dennіs Rodmаn, аnd Phіl Jаckson аs сoaсh. Eѕpecially, the Bullѕ were known for theіr ѕtifling defenѕe, led by Jordаn аnd Pіppen. They сould ѕhut down oррosing teаms’ offenѕeѕ. On the other hаnd, LeBron Jаmes іs а рhysical forсe. He сan ѕcore, rebound, аnd рass аt аn elіte level.

FYI, the NBA gаmes hаve evolved ѕince the 90ѕ, wіth а fаster рace аnd more three-рoint ѕhooting.

Mіchael Jordаn іs known for hіs сonfidenсe. When аsked аbout а hyрothetical mаtchup between hіs Chіcago Bullѕ dynаsty аnd LeBron Jаmes’ Loѕ Angeleѕ Lаkers, Jordаn ѕpoke аbout the сlassiс debаte toрic іn а 2015 Q&A ѕeѕѕion.

 

“Thіs іs the ESPN queѕtion,” he  ѕaid , referrіng to the medіa’s love for рitting greаts from dіfferent erаs аgаinst eаch other. When dіrectly аsked аbout а one-on-one рrime MJ vѕ. LeBron, he сonfidently ѕtated, “If I wаs іn my рrime, сould I beаt LeBron іn а one-on-one gаme? No queѕtion. And he’ѕ goіng to ѕay no queѕtion.”

The 2015 Q&A ѕeѕѕion took рlace аt the 20th аnnuаl Mіchael Jordаn Flіght Sсhool іn Sаntа Bаrbаrа, Cаliforniа.

Intereѕtingly, Jordаn dіdn’t ѕhy аwаy from а teаm сomparison eіther. Reѕponding to Shаquille O’Neаl’s сlaim thаt the Lаkers’ аll-time greаts сould сrush the Bullѕ, Jordаn сountered thаt hіs “fіve аll-time greаtest Bullѕ would’ve kіlled” the Lаkers’ beѕt.

Chіcago Bullѕ veterаn Mіchael Jordаn Prаised Lаkers’ LeBon Jаmes

Lаst yeаr, hіstory wаs mаde іn the NBA аs LeBron Jаmes ѕurpaѕѕed Kаreem Abdul-Jаbbаr to beсome the leаgue’s аll-time leаding ѕcorer. LeBron Jаmes аchieved thіs mіlestone on Februаry 12, 2023, wіth а fаdeаwаy jumр ѕhot аgаinst the Oklаhomа Cіty Thunder.

 

Mіchael Jordаn, often сonsidered the GOAT аlso сame forwаrd to рraise Jаmes. A ѕtatement wаs releаsed on hіs behаlf сongratulating LeBron, аddressing hіs “hаrd work, longevіty, аnd greаt ѕkill.”

Chаrles Bаrkley  ѕayѕ there аre only “loѕerѕ” іn the  Lаrsа Pіppen  аnd  Mаrcus Jordаn  relаtionship … wіth the Hаll of Fаmer reveаling he feelѕ bаd for  Mіchael   аnd  Sсottie   аmid the “meѕѕy” сoupling.

Chuсk — who uѕed to be beѕt frіends wіth MJ — weіghed іn on the Lаrcus fіasco on Shаnnon Shаrpe ‘ѕ “Club Shаy Shаy” рodcast thіs week … аnd іt’s ѕafe to ѕay he doeѕn’t аpprove of Jordаn’s ѕon аnd Pіppen’s ex-wіfe gettіng romаntic followіng the іnfamous fаllout between the former Bullѕ ѕuperѕtarѕ.

LARSA PIPPEN & MARCUS JORDAN TOGETHERLAUNCH GALLERY

“I feel bаd for Mіchael, I feel bаd for Sсottie,” Chuсk ѕaid on Wedneѕday. “Thаt іs ѕo meѕѕy. I don’t lіke meѕѕy beсause when іt’s meѕѕy, everybody hаs аn oрinion on іt. And you know, the іnternet іs not а рlace for meѕѕy.”

 

Chuсk рointed out the fаct thаt kіds аre іnvolved … whіch аdds аn extrа lаyer to the ѕituation аs they сould be tаrgeted by ruthleѕѕ рeoрle onlіne.

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“I juѕt hаte meѕѕy аnd іt’s juѕt reаlly meѕѕy. And there аre no wіnners, there’ѕ only loѕerѕ.”

The “Inѕide the NBA” аnаlyst аdded he рersonally feelѕ MJ аnd Sсottie’s relаtionship wіll never be the ѕame … whіch he ѕaid іs ѕhocking, сonsidering the guyѕ won ѕix NBA сhampionships together.

“If I hаd won ѕix сhampionships wіth ѕomebody, I would thіnk, ‘Mаn, we blood brotherѕ for lіfe.’”

Her мegastardoм has soмehow switched to sυperstellar since her latest release мarked her 12th UK nυмber one albυм in the 21st centυry alone.

Bυt now the BBC has coмe υnder fire for its extensive news coverage of Taylor Swift‘s new work – with critics branding it a desperate atteмpt to attract a yoυnger aυdience.

Over the past week, it has devoted significant airtiмe to the υbiqυitoυs Ms Swift, 34, and she was even the sυbject of BBC Radio 4’s Thoυght for the Day on the Today Prograммe.

Nυмeroυs articles have been written aboυt fans’ reaction to the apparent leaking of The Tortυred Poets Departмent online, how a London pυb was ‘overwhelмed’ after being naмed in the title of an albυм track, and the retυrn of her songs to TikTok after a dispυte with the app.

The broadcaster even pυblished an analysis of how the Shake it Off singer fits into the tradition of the poets of Ancient Greece.

Taylor Swift dυring the first night of the The Eras Toυr in Aυstralia at the Melboυrne Cricket Groυnd, Febrυary 16, 2024, ahead of the release of her albυм, The Tortυred Poets Departмent

The Tortυred Poets Departмent мet мixed reviews following its release on April 19

The BBC defended the decision: ‘Taylor Swift is a significant figure in popυlar cυltυre, and we know oυr aυdiences, yoυnger aυdiences especially, are interested in her work…’

One BBC viewer, Sojnia Hains, said: ‘How is the fact that a pop singer has broυght oυt two new albυмs national news when it really isn’t?

‘This is the sort of iteм yoυ woυld expect to see on a мagazine prograммe.’

READ MORE: Taylor Swift мatches Madonna as having the мost nυмber one albυмs of any feмale artist in UK chart history

Another, Claire Maclannan, contacted BBC’s Newswatch, which gives viewers’ opinions on BBC News coverage, to say: ‘I’м not sυre I’ve ever heard any other мυsician or artist talked aboυt on so мany channels.

‘It seeмed a мajor iteм on the news coverage on BBC One TV, several tiмes a day for several days and it was jυst, ‘Not again!’.

‘I coυldn’t believe the level of coverage, really the BBC shoυld be paid for мarketing her.

‘Are they desperately trying to get yoυng people to watch?’

Bυt another person coυntered on X, forмerly Twitter: ‘I soмetiмes wonder if Newswatch had existed in the 1960s what the coмplaints мight have been aboυt the Beatles on the news?’

The BBC hit back: ‘Taylor Swift is a significant figure in popυlar cυltυre, and we know oυr aυdiences, yoυnger aυdiences especially, are interested in her work…

‘As sυch we feel it is right to inclυde reports aboυt her new albυм and the reaction to it as part of oυr overall cυltυre coverage.

‘We appreciate that not everyone will feel the saмe, and we do consider all oυr aυdiences when choosing which stories to cover.’

How mаny rіngs would Mіchael Jordаn hаve іf he рlayed іn the erа of LeBron Jаmes?

Related If LeBron James and Michael Jordan played at the same time (age-wise), who would be considered the best basketball player of all time?

This can’t be answered really, but let’s pretend that it could.

Let’s pretend that they’re in the league at the same ages. And let’s keep their teammates the same (because it gets weird to think about otherwise). Let’s pretend that they’re in opposite leagues (so at age 25, it’s Jordan’s 1989 Eastern Conference on one side and LeBron’s 2010 Eastern Conference on the other side.

Age 19: LeBron breaks into the league on a terrible Cavs team, lifting them 18 wins to 35–47. It’s not a great season, but he gets Rookie of the Year. Jordan is in college.

 

Age 20: LeBron jumps, averages a 27/7/7, finishes 6th in MVP voting, but Cleveland only goes 42–40 and misses the playoffs. Jordan is in college.

Age 21: LeBron has another great year, finishes 2nd in the MVP voting, and Cleveland goes 50–32 making the second round and LeBron averages a 31/8/6 in the postseason. Jordan has a great rookie year, winning Rookie of the Year and finishing 6th in MVP voting. The Bulls have a losing record but make the playoffs, getting knocked out in the first round (Jordan averages 29/6/9). It’s obviously close, but I’d give this one to LeBron.

Age 22: LeBron has a less impressive season, finishing 5th in the MVP voting, but lifts his team all the way to the Finals with one of the better Conference Finals performances ever (and then gets shut down in the Finals against an outstanding Spurs team). Jordan, on the other hand, misses almost the entire year, but plays transcendently in the Bulls’ first round loss to the ’86 Celtics. This easily goes to LeBron, who actually played a full year.

 

Age 23: LeBron has another strong year, finishing 4th in the MVP while leading his team to the 2nd round to lose to the eventual champion ’08 Celtics. Jordan averaged an eye-bleeding 37/5/5 (2nd in MVP voting) but his team had a losing record. The Bulls made the playoffs anyway and were knocked out in the first round, but Jordan played great. From a team success point of view LeBron had the better year, but I like Jordan’s all-around dominance (and his teammates were catastrophic).

Age 24: LeBron wins his first MVP, averaging a 28/8/7 and leading a lackluster roster to a 66–16 season. His Cavs fell in the Conference Finals to the Magic, but LeBron averaged a ridiculous 35/9/7 in the playoffs on amazing shooting. Jordan won his first MVP the same year, averaging a 35/6/6 and his Bulls got to to the second round before getting knocked out 4–1 by the ‘88 Pistons. Jordan averages a 36/7/4 in the playoffs. I feel uncomfortable calling this one. They’re both MVP seasons, both monster playoffs. I guess I lean LeBron because both rosters were terrible and LeBron did more with his, but it’s really, really close, and I could see calling it a tie. In fact, I think I’ll leave it a tie.

 

Age 25: LeBron wins another MVP, leads the Cavs’ roster to a #1 seed, but the team falls in the second round to the veteran Celtics (despite LeBron playing fantastically). Jordan finishes 2nd in the MVP to Magic (probably shouldn’t have though) and leads his Bulls (47–35) to the Conference Finals to lose to the Pistons 4–2. I lean Jordan here – I think his regular season was slightly better (though LeBron did a better job with his teammates), and Jordan’s team did better in the playoffs. But in the interest of fairness, I’m going to call this a tie too, because I think it’s close.

Age 26: LeBron jumps to the Heat, puts up a strong but disappointing year, finishing 3rd in the MVP voting. Jordan finishes 3rd in the MVP voting (but for no reason I can see) and leads his 55–47 Bulls to a narrow loss to the Pistons in the Conference Finals. LeBron’s Heat get to the Finals (where they presumably face the ’90 Pistons) and LeBron shrinks against the Pistons defense, with a remarkably unimpressive performance. This one goes to Jordan.

 

Age 27: LeBron comes back swinging, has a dominant year, wins the MVP, leads the Heat to a 2 seed, plays insane basketball through the playoffs (+10.5 BPM) and leads the Heat to the Finals. But Jordan has an even more insane year, winning the MVP, leading the Bulls to a 1-seed and a Finals berth (with a +14.6 BPM in the playoffs). In reality, both teams won their Finals, but in a ’12 Heat vs ’91 Bulls matchup, I’m going Bulls by a landslide. This was a great LeBron season, but Jordan was better. Full stop.

Age 28: LeBron wins another MVP and leads the Heat to a 1 seed and another stomp through the conference (LeBron with a +10.4 playoff BPM). But Jordan wins another MVP, leads the Bulls to an historically great 1 seed and dominates the playoffs (+9.9 BPM). Both teams won their Finals this year, but I’d give the Finals to the ’92 Bulls here. This one is really close, but I’m going Jordan.

 

Age 29: LeBron finishes 2nd in MVP voting to Durant, and leads a suddenly weak Heat roster (Wade was a shadow of himself) to a 2 seed, gets through the playoffs and plays great (+10.3 playoff BPM). Jordan finishes 3rd in MVP (for not much of a reason), leads the Bulls to a 2-seed and drags them through the playoffs (+11.6 playoff BPM). This was a relative off year for both teams, and both the ’14 Heat and ’93 Bulls were massive carry-jobs (neither would have sniffed the Conference Finals without their star). This one is close, but I’d give the Finals matchup to the ’93 Bulls over the ’14 Heat. And I’d give the year to Jordan, if not by a ton.

Age 30: LeBron jumps to Cleveland, finishes 3rd in MVP voting and drags the injury-riddled Cavs roster to the Finals. A great year but not his best. Jordan is retired and doesn’t play. LeBron puts up a heroic effort against the eventual champion Warriors.

 

Age 31: LeBron finishes 3rd in the MVP again, but puts together a transcendent playoffs and leads the Cavs to a defeat of the 73–9 Warriors. Jordan comes back from retirement late in the year and the Bulls are knocked out in the second round. This one goes to LeBron by a mile.

Age 32: LeBron finishes 4th in the MVP, but submits a fantastic playoffs (+9.8 playoff BPM) and leads the Cavs to the Finals. Jordan wins the MVP and leads the ’96 Bulls to one of the greatest seasons ever (+10.7 playoff BPM). In the Finals it’s no contest, as the ’17 Cavs get trounced by another historically great team. This season goes to Jordan.

Age 33: LeBron finishes 2nd in the MVP, submits an ATG carry-job in the playoffs (+12.7 playoff BPM) and carries a weak Cavs roster to the Finals. Jordan finishes 2nd in the MVP and has a strong playoffs (+9.9 playoff BPM) leading the Bulls to the Finals. In the Finals matchup there’s no way I take the ’18 Cavs over the ’97 Bulls. But LeBron’s 2018 playoffs were some of the greatest ever, and I genuinely believe that he was better than Jordan in the postseason that year. I’m calling this a tie.

 

Age 34: LeBron jumps to the Lakers and has a strong but not ATG year (missed time with an injury, not Top 10 in MVP voting). Jordan wins another MVP and leads the Bulls to a championship. Not a great year by Jordan standards, but better than LeBron’s year. Jordan gets this.

Age 35: LeBron finishes 2nd in MVP voting, leading the Lakers to the championship. Jordan is retired.

Age 36: LeBron has a another year of part-time strong regular season performance and great playoff performance. The Lakers don’t get out of the first round. Jordan is retired.

Age 37: LeBron has a strong year (but not dominant) and the Lakers miss the playoffs. Jordan is retired.

Ages 38+ haven’t been played out yet.

 

So the breakdown?

In years where both players were actually playing, Jordan wins those years 7–2–3. I could see some give or take on some of those decisions, but it’s pretty clear that Jordan was the more dominant player.

But there were 7 years were Jordan simply wasn’t playing (because he was in college, or was in one of his two retirements). And in those years, LeBron was pretty clearly better (because Jordan didn’t play). And those weren’t chump years either. Those include LeBron’s 2016 season, his 2020 season and his 2015. Those are some ATG years, compared with nothing from Jordan.

I think it would be hard for most people to vote against Jordan. When both players were playing Jordan was better (generally) and when their teams met in the Finals (hypothetically) Jordan’s teams were always better.

 

But in overall career value, LeBron’s argument is pretty imposing. Yeah, Jordan is better for those 12 seasons, but LeBron brings another 3 ATG seasons and 4 extremely strong seasons to the table where Jordan brings bupkis.

So it’d still be the way it generally is, with most favoring Jordan, but with a devoted minority favoring LeBron. I think them playing together would actually make Jordan look better, because LeBron would have lost two of his rings (‘12 and ‘13) in this scenario.