The GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James is one of those things in basketball that has transcended the sport itself. No definitive answer really exists, despite fans of both players constantly citing evidence and inciting confrontations with one another on social media.
For the players themselves, they don't seem to be concerned with the debate; rather, they let the numbers speak for themselves. And despite narratives that insist they hate each other, the King and His Airness have kept a cordial relationship — even sometimes show their admiration for one another, like when they did on the court during the NBA's 75th anniversary presentation in 2022.
Advertisement
James' relationship with MJ comes from a deep respect between two greats of the game, but it's also due to James being a fan of the Chicago Bulls legend growing up. When asked by Larry King during an interview on CNN in 2010 if he was a fan of his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers when he was young, James was quick to reply.
"Growing up? No, I wasn't. I was a Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan fan growing up," James said
The King wanted to be like MikeLeBron explaining his fandom is just like any other NBA fan explaining why they grew up loving basketball and MJ. He said he watched and wanted to replicate His Airness' greatness throughout his career. Jame s just wanted to be like Mike.
Advertisement
Bron was born in 1984, the year Mike made his Bulls debut and was 14 years old when MJ took his iconic shot against the Utah Jazz in the 1998 Finals to clinch his sixth and final title.
"Michael Jordan was just my inspiration," he said. "Everybody wanted to fly like Jordan, pull up and hit a game-winner at the sound of the horn like Michael."
"You wanted to do commercials, you wanted to have his shoes. Everything that he did, I wanted to do," added James.
Advertisement
Indeed, Mike's inspiration is evident in LeBron's 23-year career so far.
Although they are fundamentally different players, LeBron has also defined a gen eration with his high-flying, headline-grabbing skills. LeBron also joins MJ and a short list of players who have consistently carried their teams to the league's mountaintop. Not to mention the numerous achievements and the history the two have amassed throughout their respective careers.
Off the court, James also launched a signature sneaker line with Nike that continues to be influential in sneaker and popular culture. He's also been selective with his business ventures and investments, carefully building his brand over the years.
Advertisement
"You see a former player in our league and you see Mike and the things that he was able to do on the court. To see him still being successful off the court, I think, is awesome," stated LeBron.
Bron and Mike's relationshipJames went from being a fan of MJ to being a player and businessman as great as him. And while they maintain a cordial relationship, James recently admitted they don't talk to each other, mainly because his resume is always compared to his idol's.
Advertisement
"Even if you don't know him personally, he is one of the most ruthless competitors there is, and until I'm done and he doesn't have to look at me running up and down wearing the No. 23 and every time my name is mentioned, it's mentioned with his, he's like, 'I don't want to f—g talk to you,'" James said.
Not many people can claim to have equalled their idol's greatness, but LeBron did and with flying colors. He has consistently surpassed every expectation placed on him and built a career as iconic as Jordan's. That's why it's only a shame that the space between the two has been occupied by the heated rivalry created by the fans.
Maybe in the future, once LeBron finishes his illustrious career, fans may see the two's relationship evolve beyond just cross-generational rivals. But for now, Bron and MJ will settle for coexisting in a world where fans debate one another on who's the best player between the two.
Advertisement
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jan 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Comments
Post a Comment