3 Decades After Michael Jordan ‘Felt Insulted,’ LeBron James ‘Ridicules’ Media House Over ‘GOAT’ Take: “At Age 20 Though”

Earlier today, LeBron James shared an Instagram story mocking a Sports Illustrated cover that earmarked him as the “best ever.” James’ problem with the post was that the question was asked while he was still 20 years old, representing unfair expectation that was placed on a player who was despite all his brilliance, still young. The incident occurs three decades after Michael Jordan found himself annoyed at a Sports Illustrated headline. Jordan had announced a move to MLB’s Chicago White Sox after his first retirement as a 3-time NBA champion, in October 1993. In a March 1994 issue, SI writer Steve Wulf had called Jordan’s time at the White Sox an “embarrassment” to baseball, according to the Washington Post. This comment in particular annoyed MJ, who explained his chagrin in “The Last Dance” Netflix documentary.

Of course, much like the Bulls legend, LeBron James also had a world of expectations placed on him right since his teenage years. His obvious talent led to him being called “the chosen one,” eventually leading to the SI headline that he ridiculed on Instagram earlier today.

LeBron James shares frustration over age-old SI headline on Instagram

There is little doubt that LeBron had more than enough talent to fulfill the expectations placed on his young career. Still, the kind of popularity and wealth he received could easily have led to more damage than good.LeBron always had the determination to succeed but still recognizes the extra pressure that constant media coverage put on him. James shared the SI cover on his Instagram, suggesting that the question about him being the GOAT was very premature:

“At age 20 though they asked that.”

 

LeBron James asking the real questions

Credits(IG/kingjames) pic.twitter.com/M855DmAOQb

— What are NBA Celebs Upto? (@NBACelebsUpdate) July 7, 2023

The reaction comes years after he already established himself as one of the NBA’s GOATs. A 4-time champion, James is still going strong at the age of 38. His very late reaction to the SI headline is mild, in comparison to how Michael Jordan had reacted to the same media outlet.

Michael Jordan was not happy with SI’s coverage of his time in MLB

The news report led to a range of reactions from MJ. First and foremost, he refused to talk to SI anymore and didn’t understand what led to the “attack.”

In his documentary, Jordan claimed that SI should have talked to him, or interviewed him first before publishing such a controversial story, according to The Washington Post.

“If you had a question, ask. And then if you want to write it, then you write it,” he continued. “That’s fine, no problem, that’s your opinion. But I can care less what people do. This is what I want to do. I’m not doing what they think I should be doing.”

pic.twitter.com/ov17qGzDqr

— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) May 11, 2020

Needless to say, while James also received constant scrutiny from SI, he ended up disguising his response as a joke. On the other hand, Michael Jordan was more confrontational, and could not stand the comments that were made about his MLB pursuits.