LeBron James has finally weighed in on how he believes his game stacks up with Michael Jordan.
During a recent interview with ESPN, James revealed “there are some things that I do better than” Jordan, though the Lakers star stopped well short of saying he’s more deserving of the NBA’s G.O.A.T. crown than the Bulls legend.
LeBron James recently opened up on how he compares with Michael Jordan. NBAE via Getty Images “I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different,” James said. “I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life. I have always looked for the pass. MJ kind of looked for the shot. Not kind of, he did. He looked for the shot.
“There are a lot of things where I would say my game is a lot different and a little better than his, but s—t, he was f—king great. We’re both great. We’re both great basketball players.”
James added that he was acutely aware of how his words on the matter would be interpreted, given how passionate people on both sides of the debate are.
“I think it’s a very tiring conversation,” he said. “It’s barbershop talk.”
In 23 seasons, James has made 22 All-Star Games, won MVP four times, and holds countless records, including the NBA’s All-Time leading scoring mark. He’s also won four championships.
Michael Jordan won six Finals MVPs during his 15 seasons in the NBA. Getty Images Jordan, meanwhile, played 15 seasons in the league, won six titles, earned five MVPs and made 14 All-Star Games.
James, though, said he’d prefer to not compare their careers, and would rather focus on how each has made an indelible impact on the sport.
“You can look at both of us and say that you love both of us without trying to s— on the other person. And usually, it’s s—ting on me,” he said.
“But I know for sure that I’ve done my part in this journey and more than anything I hope — I don’t know — but I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23.”
