When comparing NBA superstars at age 27, Jayson Tatum, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry stand out as icons in their respective eras. Each of them reached pivotal points in their careers by this age, with their legacy-defining moments either behind them or looming ahead. From championships and MVPs to statistical dominance and team impact, all four brought unique contributions to the game. But who had the better career when they were 27 years old? Let's dive into the numbers, accolades, and influence of each player to determine who stood out the most at this crucial stage.
Career Statistics
Michael Jordan: 32.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.9 APG, 2.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG (4 Points)
LeBron James: 27.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.8 BPG (3 Points)
Stephen Curry: 24.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG (2 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 23.1 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG (1 Point)
Michael Jordan’s dominance at age 27 is nearly unrivaled, with his scoring prowess (32.6 PPG) leading the pack and complemented by solid rebounding (6.3 RPG) and playmaking (5.9 APG). His defensive numbers—2.8 SPG and 1.1 BPG—show why he was an all-around menace on both ends of the floor, setting him apart statistically from his peers. LeBron James follows closely behind, with impressive all-around numbers (27.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.9 APG) that highlight his versatility. LeBron’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways mirrors Jordan’s but with less of a focus on scoring dominance.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum trail slightly in overall statistical output. Curry’s 24.8 PPG, while lower, is offset by his unparalleled efficiency and range as a shooter. Tatum, though last in scoring at 23.1 PPG, has developed into a better rebounder than both Jordan and Curry, while his defensive and playmaking skills are still growing. At this stage, Jordan clearly takes the crown in raw numbers, but LeBron’s multi-faceted game also shines.
NBA Championships
Stephen Curry: 2 Championships (4 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 1 Championship (3 Points)
Michael Jordan: 1 Championship (3 Points)
LeBron James: 1 Championship (3 Points)
By 27, Stephen Curry’s two championships place him at the top of the group in this category, reflecting his role in spearheading one of the NBA’s most iconic dynasties. His leadership of the Golden State Warriors to two titles at this point was a testament to his impact as the focal point of a revolutionary offense. The fact that he achieved two rings before turning 30 gives him a notable edge in the title race.
LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Jayson Tatum all tie with one championship at 27, but their journeys differ greatly. LeBron secured his first with the Miami Heat after years of scrutiny, Jordan’s lone championship by this point was the start of his dynasty, and Tatum’s single title reflects his quick ascent in today’s game with the Boston Celtics in 2023-24. Each player’s path was unique, but Curry’s two rings stand out.
Finals MVP Awards
Michael Jordan: 1 Finals MVP Award (4 Points)
LeBron James: 1 Finals MVP Award (4 Points)
Stephen Curry: 0 Finals MVP Awards (3 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 0 Finals MVP Awards (3 Points)
Jordan and LeBron each earned a Finals MVP by age 27, showcasing their ability to elevate their teams to the highest level when it mattered most. Jordan’s first Finals MVP in 1991 kicked off what would become one of the most storied Finals careers ever, and LeBron’s 2012 performance put his critics to rest and solidified his place as one of the best ever. Both players thrived under the pressure of the Finals and delivered clutch performances to earn these accolades.
Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum, while successful in leading their teams to Finals appearances, have yet to secure a Finals MVP by this age. Curry’s lack of a Finals MVP reflects how his contributions, though vital, were often overshadowed by other teammates like Andre Iguodala and Kevin Durant. Tatum, still early in his Finals career, has time to build on his legacy.
MVP Awards
LeBron James: 3 MVP Awards (4 Points)
Michael Jordan: 2 MVP Awards (3 Points)
Stephen Curry: 2 MVP Awards (3 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 0 MVP Awards (2 Points)
LeBron James dominates in MVP awards by age 27, with three MVPs already under his belt (two with the Cavaliers and one with the Heat). His three regular-season MVPs reflect his unparalleled consistency and excellence across all facets of the game, cementing his status as the best player in the world at the time. LeBron’s ability to balance scoring, playmaking, and defense in his prime years earned him this dominant edge over his peers.
Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry both follow closely with two MVP awards by age 27. Jordan’s MVPs during the late '80s showcased his scoring brilliance, while Curry’s MVPs reflected his leadership in redefining modern basketball through his elite shooting. Jayson Tatum, on the other hand, has yet to win an MVP, but his trajectory suggests he may be in the conversation in the near future.
Defensive Player Of The Year Awards
Michael Jordan: 1 DPOY Award (4 Points)
LeBron James: 0 DPOY Awards (3 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 0 DPOY Awards (3 Points)
Stephen Curry: 0 DPOY Awards (3 Points)
Regarding Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards, Michael Jordan distances himself in terms of defensive accolades, earning 4 points for his singular DPOY win. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Jayson Tatum, all without a DPOY award, each receive 3 points.
Jordan’s ability to capture the league’s most prestigious defensive honor highlights his dominance on both ends of the floor and adds another layer to his all-around greatness by age 27. Jordan's legacy as an elite two-way player becomes even clearer, contrasting with LeBron’s strong defensive impact despite not earning a DPOY award. Curry and Tatum, while impactful in different ways, have not made the same defensive mark as Jordan or even LeBron.
Scoring Titles
Michael Jordan: 5 Scoring Titles (4 Points)
LeBron James: 1 Scoring Title (3 Points)
Stephen Curry: 1 Scoring Title (3 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 0 Scoring Titles (2 Points)
In terms of scoring titles, Michael Jordan once again proves his offensive dominance, securing 5 scoring titles by the age of 27, earning him the maximum 4 points. His ability to lead the league in scoring for five seasons sets him apart as the most prolific scorer in this group.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry, each with 1 scoring title, both earn 3 points, showcasing their ability to lead the league in scoring, though without the consistency Jordan demonstrated. Jayson Tatum, while a strong scorer, has not yet claimed a scoring title, earning 2 points in this category. Jordan’s five scoring titles highlight his superior offensive capabilities at this stage in his career, far outpacing LeBron and Curry’s more sporadic success in this area.
All-NBA Team Appearances
LeBron James: 8 All-NBA Team Selections (4 Points)
Michael Jordan: 6 All-NBA Team Selections (3 Points)
Stephen Curry: 4 All-NBA Team Selections (2 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 4 All-NBA Team Selections (2 Points)
LeBron James once again leads the pack with eight All-NBA Team selections, a clear indicator of his sustained excellence year after year. His ability to make an All-NBA team every season reflects his all-around game and consistency as the centerpiece of any team he plays for. LeBron's balance of scoring, passing, and leadership has earned him these repeated honors.
Michael Jordan comes in second with six All-NBA appearances, showcasing his dominance throughout the late '80s and early '90s. Jordan’s selections demonstrate his standing as one of the best two-way players in the league, with scoring titles and defensive accolades to match. Curry and Tatum are tied with four All-NBA selections, but Tatum’s total by age 27 puts him in rare company for a player so young.
All-Defensive Team Appearances
Michael Jordan: 4 All-Defensive Team Appearances (4 Points)
LeBron James: 4 All-Defensive Team Appearances (4 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 0 All-Defensive Team Appearances (3 Points)
Stephen Curry: 0 All-Defensive Team Appearances (3 Points)
Jordan and LeBron share the lead with four All-Defensive Team selections, underscoring their two-way dominance. Jordan’s tenacity on defense often gets overshadowed by his scoring, but his ability to disrupt opposing offenses with steals and blocks made him a constant threat. LeBron, too, at this point in his career, was known for his versatility on defense, often guarding multiple positions and excelling in transition defense.
Neither Curry nor Tatum have made an All-Defensive team, and while this may not define their overall careers, it reflects their different styles of play. Curry’s focus on offensive innovation limits his defensive impact, while Tatum, though improving, is not yet among the elite defensively. The defensive excellence of Jordan and LeBron clearly distinguishes them here.
All-Star Appearances
LeBron James: 8 All-Star Appearances (4 Points)
Michael Jordan: 7 All-Star Appearances (3 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 5 All-Star Appearances (2 Points)
Stephen Curry: 4 All-Star Appearances (1 Point)
LeBron James leads once again with eight All-Star appearances, a result of his consistently high level of play since entering the league. Being an All-Star in every year of his career until 27 is a testament to his status as a perennial MVP candidate. LeBron’s consistency and ability to excel in any system keep him at the top of this category.
Michael Jordan follows closely with seven All-Star nods, a reflection of his early dominance. Despite a slower start to his career due to injury, Jordan’s All-Star appearances highlight his rise as the league’s best player. Jayson Tatum and Stephen Curry, with five and four selections, respectively, are still growing into their roles as yearly fixtures in the All-Star Game.
LeBron James: 133.3 Win Shares (4 Points)
Michael Jordan: 112.7 Win Shares (3 Points)
Stephen Curry: 71.6 Win Shares (2 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 55.9 Win Shares (1 Point)
LeBron James once again comes out on top with 133.3 win shares by age 27, reflecting his impact on both ends of the floor. His ability to drive team success is evident in his advanced metrics, where his offensive and defensive contributions result in wins. LeBron’s capacity to impact the game in a multitude of ways—scoring, playmaking, and defense—is perfectly captured in this stat.
Michael Jordan, with 112.7 win shares, is close behind. Jordan’s ability to single-handedly carry his team to victory during his prime years is reflected in this metric. Curry and Tatum, with significantly lower totals, reflect different paths. Curry’s total is respectable given his later rise to stardom, while Tatum is still early in his career trajectory and has room to catch up.
PER (Player Efficiency Rating)
Michael Jordan: 30.2 PER (4 Points)
LeBron James: 27.2 PER (3 Points)
Stephen Curry: 23.2 PER (2 Points)
Jayson Tatum: 20.1 PER (1 Point)
Michael Jordan’s PER of 30.2 places him far ahead of the pack, emphasizing his dominance in every facet of the game. His ability to score efficiently, defend at a high level, and consistently perform well under pressure contributes to this astronomical PER. LeBron James, with a 27.2 PER, is no slouch either, as his all-around ability and efficiency make him one of the most productive players of all time.
Curry’s PER of 23.2 reflects his offensive brilliance, but his defensive limitations hold him back slightly compared to Jordan and LeBron. Jayson Tatum, at 20.1, has not yet reached the efficiency levels of the other three but continues to improve as his game evolves, especially in clutch situations.
Who Has Had The Greatest NBA Career Out Of Jayson Tatum, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, And Stephen Curry By 27 Years Old?
T1. Michael Jordan: 39 Points
T1. LeBron James: 39 Points
3. Stephen Curry: 28 Points
4. Jayson Tatum: 23 Points
With Michael Jordan and LeBron James both tied at 39 points, it's clear that by age 27, they had established themselves as two of the greatest players in NBA history. Jordan's dominance in scoring, his DPOY award, and his elite defensive impact balance out LeBron's superior MVP count, All-NBA selections, and overall statistical versatility. Both players' ability to excel on both ends of the floor sets them apart from the rest, making it difficult to definitively declare one as superior at this point although you can argue Jordan's massive difference in scoring titles and even having a title (with Finals MVP) should give him a slight edge.
With 28 points, Stephen Curry lags behind in individual accolades but stands out with two championships, showing his key role in team success. With 23 points, Jayson Tatum has yet to achieve the same level of personal or team accolades as the others but remains on an upward trajectory. Ultimately, while Curry and Tatum have had impressive starts to their careers, Jordan and LeBron's all-around dominance by 27 places them at the top, with their differing strengths making this a compelling debate between the two legends.
