After hitting a 3-point shot as time expired, at the end of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals (2008-2009) between the Cleveland Cavs and the Orlando Magic, the Lebron James mania erupted. Only seconds later, we would hear Earvin “Magic” Johnson compare Lebron’s heroics to that of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and other greats. This image that Kobe Bryant had worked so hard to achieve was almost handed to Lebron after Game 2.

Whenever the comparison between Jordan and Lebron comes up, it is vital to remember one thing: Jordan has more than a fistful of rings and Lebron has none. It’s just that simple. No one even brings up the likes of Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady in the conversation, though they have had their fair share of highlights and great games, simply because they are not proven winners.

Back to Lebron. Let’s put his buzzer beater into perspective. Looking back, Lebron hit a buzzer beater in a series that his team lost. How heroic is that? Not very. Let’s fast forward even further. Kobe recently torched the Orlando Magic for 40 points, easily defeating the very team that gave James such a hard time.

The fact is, when comparing a current player with the all-time greats, all that matters is rings. Period. No one remembers great players that take decent teams far into the playoffs. They remember winners.