So Wilt finger rolled his way to 100 points in a game. Bill Russell, with lesser skills, surpassed him because he had a stronger will to win (W2W). Where this showed itself was on the defensive end of the floor. The Celts were the better team, and Russell outworked if not always out played Chamberlain.
Jordan is the GOAT for the very same reason. Comparisons with LeBron are hypothetical but interesting just the same. LeBron loses out to Jordan, not simply because of Mike’s rings, but because Jordan played harder. LeBron is more like Tim Duncan, his competitive fire may burn as brightly as MJ’s, but his game seems more laid back.