LeBron James and Michael Jordan sit atop the NBA’s pantheon, and when the topic of the greatest of all time arises, it’s bound to ignite passionate discussions. Both players have piled up a remarkable array of accolades—James, the league’s all-time leading scorer with four NBA titles and four MVP awards; Jordan, the embodiment of excellence with the highest scoring average in league history, six championships, and five MVPs. The debate over who has made a more significant impact on the game is likely to be a fixture in basketball conversations for years to come.
Recently, James opened up about his relationship with the Bulls legend, revealing that they don’t communicate often—something that might surprise many fans. “We don’t talk,” James shared during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” attributing their infrequent exchanges to his ongoing commitment to the game. “I’m still focused on my craft right now,” he emphasized, highlighting the competitive spirit both he and Jordan embody.
Reflecting on their dynamic, James admitted to the influence Jordan has had on his career, notably why he dons the iconic No. 23—an homage to His Airness. The respect is palpable, with James characterizing Jordan as “one of the most ruthless competitors,” and acknowledging that until he’s no longer on the court and no longer sharing a spotlight with Jordan, the two won’t be in regular touch. “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**king talk to you,’” James quipped with a knowing smile.
Yet, there’s hope for a more profound relationship in the future. James recalled how he developed a meaningful bond with the late Kobe Bryant after he transitioned into his role with the Lakers. “Until I became a Laker and he had retired, that’s when our relationship became really, really good,” James said, recounting the support Kobe extended to him during that pivotal time. “He welcomed me. He called me, like: ‘Bro, anything you need in LA, I got you. You’re a Laker now. You’re family.’”
The bond between legends can often deepen once they step away from the competitive arena, and James’ experience with Bryant stands as a testament to that notion. He recalled how Bryant reached out, even tweeting encouragement when he broke the scoring record, pushing him to “keep transcending the game.”
During the same interview, James had the Indiana Pacers on his mind, where shortly after speaking, he took the court and dominated the late-game moments. With the Lakers trailing by one point and only seconds remaining, James made a clutch tip-in, sealing the 120-119 victory for LA and snapping a three-game losing streak.
After the game, he explained his thought process during that critical moment: “I was just trying to read the ball off the rim.” His keen understanding of the game was on display as he anticipated the bounce and positioned himself to make the winning play.
Finishing the game with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, James barely maintained his record streak of double-digit scoring with his heroics coming after a slow start. “It’s whatever it takes to help your teammates win,” he noted humbly, showcasing his all-around game that allows him to impact the floor in multiple ways.
As he continues to build on his legacy, James remains a player who can adapt, shift gears, and elevate his game—to the delight of Lakers fans and basketball enthusiasts everywhere. Whether or not he and Jordan rekindle their rapport once they both hang up their jerseys, the respect and admiration between these two titans of the game will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
