re: How can you justify saying Magic>Lebron?

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The old guard just champions their era of basketball like it wasn't often a hockey fight in the paint and a slow, boring free throw contest. Contrary to popular belief, the MJ/magic/bird era had its flaws and the stars got the calls back then, too. All MJ jock sniffers outta know that

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Well, MJ didn't start dominating until the 90s. He was though of as a guy he just wanted to score but couldn't win in the 80s. Six titles has a way of changing a narrative. And sure, there were issues in the 80s, just as there are now. You shouldn't write off an old era just like you shouldn't write off a new one.

The 80s had an amazingly fast pace. Teams just ran up and down the floor and took the first available shot. It lead to higher scoring totals, and half court offenses weren't as sophisticated. It was more of a transition game. That said, due to fighting being legal, the game was more brutal. The NBA did a terrible job of protecting its stars in the 70s and 80s, and it was open season on anyone who slashed to the basket. Ruined Bernard King, who was essentially targeted at the knees without consequence. Bill Laimbeer would not be allowed to exist in today's game, and that's probably a good thing.

also, outside shooting was much worse in the 80s. The 3 pointer was still relatively new, and players hadn't grown up with the line like now. Teams weren't as good at it. Also, it ran counter to 50 years of strategy, which was to pound the inside and take the shortest shot possible. Players didn't really have great outside shots as a group because there wasn't a high demand for that skill. That's changed (and we no longer live in an era dominated by big men, the 80s were when we transitioned out of that).

The 80s NBA is fondly remembered because its when the league adopted the ABA style of play, and moved away from plodding, ugly basketball. Coaches figured out the up tempo game defensively and slowed the pace by the 90s. It doesn't make the game "better", but it is a unique period due to its transitional nature. There were lots of great players then. there's great players now. Why can't both eras be great, just for different reasons?