re: 18 years ago, the GOAT had the "flu game"

If you watched Jordan play and then watch Lebron play you'd notice quite easily that Jordan was the better player. Lebron's got Jordan on size easily and passing as well. You could also say his three is better as Jordan never would take as many as Lebron does ( its a different league these days ). However, watching Jordan spin left or right on his fadeaways, befuddling defenders was a joy, watching Lebron bull his way in, relying on his aestheticism and size isn't quite the same. I like that Lebron is starting to get his post game improved and not rely so much on being stronger, bigger and faster than his defender as these advantages fade with age. Lebron also has to improve his mental game. Too often you see him almost break down, with bad shot after bad shot. He does come through sometimes, but too many times he'll defer too much or throw up clunkers.

Overall, I'd say Lebron is the only true successor to MJ's throne. Not Kobe, not Wade, not all these other pretenders that have come and gone. Lebron's the only one I'd put in the same echelon.