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“LeBron James is unbelievable; one of the best players in the world”: When Michael Jordan acknowledged the constant comparisons between himself and the Lakers superstar

Samir Mehdi
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“LeBron James is unbelievable; one of the best players in the world”: When Michael Jordan acknowledged the constant comparisons between himself and the Lakers superstar

Michael Jordan let it be known that he holds LeBron James in high regard during the 2020 Paris Games, saying he’s one of the best in the world. 

Even if LeBron James were to win his 5th championship ring against all odds this season, it would still be difficult to say that he has definitively passed Michael Jordan for ‘GOAT’ status. Luckily for Jordan truthers, that is not what happened and the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t even get a chance to play in the play-in, let alone compete for a title. 

Regardless of what happened with the Lakers, the debate still rages on NBA Twitter and Reddit over whether or not LeBron James has established himself as the greatest of all time.

Also read: “Larry Bird looked at Magic Johnson to say it’s over”: Michael Jordan recalls arguing with the Lakers superstar on having taken over as the best in the NBA

Analysts like Stephen A. Smith firmly believe that the conversation has closed on the ‘GOAT’ debate following this disappointing 2022 campaign from the purple and ‘gold’. 

Others however, are siding with the man who just averaged 30+ points per game in his 19th season and was supposedly let down by his supporting cast. 

LeBron James gets praise from Michael Jordan. 

The 2020 Paris Game featured a bout between the Charlotte Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks in January of that year. With Jordan holding majority stake in the Hornets, he was naturally present at a presser for the game. 

As expected, the never-ending debate on him and James was brought up. He did make a cheeky comment about if LeBron was playing that night, insinuating that he wasn’t even there so why bring his name up but the 6x champ had nothing but kind words for ‘The Chosen One’.

https://youtube.com/shorts/gWrqiNkwsuE?feature=share

Also read: “Michael Jordan really dropped 36 on Shaq after dropping 64 points”: When the Bulls legend edged out a close one against Shaquille O’Neal and his Magic

The two recently embraced at the NBA’s 75 Anniversary event during All-Star weekend, exchanging pleasantries. It’s safe to say that while LeBron James may be motivated to cement himself as the greatest to ever do it, he won’t be going down that path by making an enemy in Michael Jordan. 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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