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Who is the greatest statistical legend among LeBron, Kobe and MJ?

Who came out on top as the best statistical player among LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan? Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

There are topics that you just don't bring up in public unless you're ready to argue. Religion. Politics. Global warming. Colin Kaepernick.

And of course, how LeBron James compares with the greatest players in NBA history.

LeBron versus Michael Jordan can clear a room, and if there are any Lakers fans around, then LeBron versus Kobe Bryant can quickly escalate into a shouting match.

But, LeBron will enter Saturday's game with 33,626 career points scored, only 17 points behind Kobe's 33,643 for third place on the all-time NBA scoring list. Fifth on that list is one Michael Jeffrey Jordan, with 32,292 points.

Thus, this makes a perfect time for us to wade into those controversial waters and compare these three NBA legends analytically. How do their careers stack up by the numbers? Who had the most dominant seasons at their best? Do those stories change in the playoffs, where champions are built? Which of the three would you have wanted to draft on your all-time fantasy NBA team?

Career fantasy/box score contributions

There are a lot of interesting parallels between fantasy basketball and what most people think of when they hear "advanced stats."

The NBA's early steps