Not the same thing. In general, atheletes today are physically superior than ones from 30 years ago, but this particular example (Jordan vs Bryant or James) doesn't hold up. When it comes to speed and strength, Jordan beats both of them.
Vertical Leap
Jordan - 48"
James - 44"
Bryant - 38"
40 Yard Dash
Jordan - 4.3 seconds
James - 4.4 seconds
that's cool and imma finish reading, but james is a whole lot bigger of a dude and to have comparable numbers is astonishing. That's really what makes him a freak of nature.