Tag: Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan went from being LeBron James’ childhood hero to now, in the later years of his Hall of Fame career, the basketball figure James’ achievements are most often compared to.

James talked about his current relationship with Jordan during a long interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” which aired on Wednesday.

While James said their relationship is in “a good spot,” he admitted that they aren’t in regular contact.

“We don’t talk,” James shared during the 75-minute interview, which was filmed at McAfee’s studio near Indianapolis on Tuesday. “Because I’m still playing. I’m still playing, I’m still focused on my craft right now.”

James replied, “I would hope so,” when asked if he thought a connection could grow between him and Jordan after James retires, similar to how his relationship with Kobe Bryant became closer after Bryant ended his career.

“The funny thing is, me and Kobe — the late, great Kobe, obviously — me and Kobe never had a real relationship either,” James explained. “We were on the [USA] Olympic team, we had a great relationship there.

The Olympic team in ’08, the Olympic team in ’12, but it was always competitive between us. We were always like, I was on the East Coast, he was on the West Coast, and it was like even though … in ’09 and we didn’t beat Orlando and didn’t get an opportunity to play him in the Finals [there was a competitive tension].”

James said that their relationship started to change in 2016 when Bryant retired, and it grew stronger after James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 as a free agent.

Their Relationship was Good

“That’s when our relationship became really, really good,” James said. “He welcomed me. He called me, like, ‘Bro, anything you need in L.A., I got you. You’re a Laker now. You’re family.’ And we would have multiple conversations. Obviously, you guys saw him coming to a lot of games.

And when I passed him for the scoring record in Philly, he had a tweet out there like, ‘Keep on going.’ Like, ‘Keep transcending the game. Keep going.’ And that meant so much to me.”

James and Jordan did share a meaningful moment during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, where they embraced at halftime when the league celebrated its 75th Anniversary Team.

“That was dope,” James said. “That’s straight respect, admiration and me, for sure, I wear 23 because of MJ. And the inspiration that he gave me as a kid in Akron, Ohio, who doesn’t have much inspiration in your hometown.”

However, as long as James, 40, is still playing and continuing to build his legacy to be compared to Jordan — a six-time champion, five-time MVP, and 10-time scoring champion — he doesn’t expect his relationship with the 62-year-old Jordan to change.

“I think it’s because I’m still playing,” James said. “And MJ, we all know MJ. 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, [a relationship will have to wait].”

James also spoke with McAfee about how his son, Bronny James, has progressed during his rookie season with the Lakers.

“For me as a dad, it doesn’t matter if he never scores, ever. For me as a dad, I’m just super proud of him, period, as a young man. For me as a mentor and as a teammate of his who wants to see him thrive because I have seen the work he’s put into the game, I am super proud of his development to where he is now,” James said. “From the moment that he was drafted … to now … his development has skyrocketed.”

Selection of Bronny James

Bronny, who was selected by the Lakers with the No. 55 pick in the second round after his freshman season at USC, scored a season-high 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting for the Lakers last week. He followed that up by scoring 39 points on 14-for-21 shooting Monday for the South Bay Lakers, L.A.’s G League team.

“Super proud of Bronny,” James said. “Super proud of his game and where he is today, starting off the G League season with just trying to figure it out and now, 39 [points] and even when I talked to him, he was more upset about the technical free throw he missed than anything.

He was like, ‘I could have had a 40 ball, and I missed that damn technical free throw.’ So, the kid, he’s awesome.”

This is a big change from where Bronny was in October when he made his debut for the Lakers on opening night in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That debut came less than a year and a half after he suffered a cardiac arrest caused by a congenital heart defect, which needed corrective surgery.

“Us going out on the floor and having that moment, physically I wasn’t even there,” James said. “I wasn’t even there. I’m floating. I could only imagine where Bronny was. We haven’t even talked about it yet. At some point we will. But I wasn’t even there.

I was so [overjoyed], I might have been in the rafters. I might have been at home — my body might have been at home watching the game and watching the moment. I completely was not there.

“But, damn, that was an unbelievable moment, man, for me to be able to have that dream, be able to speak it into existence, for it to come to fruition. For my mom and my wife and my daughter and my youngest son to be there, I started thinking about everything from what the hell he went through less than a year before with his cardiac arrest.”

James’ younger son, 17-year-old Bryce, recently won a state championship during his senior season with Sierra Canyon and is committed to play basketball for the University of Arizona in the fall. James, who is in his 22nd season, was asked if he could see himself staying in the NBA long enough to play alongside both of his sons.

“Don’t do that to me,” James said with a smile.

The debate over who is the greatest basketball player of all time has raged for decades, with various candidates making strong cases. However, when it comes to Michael Jordan, no discussion of the greatest is complete without his name at the forefront.

His legacy in the NBA is not just built on his on-court accomplishments, but also on the cultural and global impact he has made, shaping the modern era of basketball in ways that few athletes have achieved in any sport.

Jordan’s basketball career was defined by dominance, consistency, and a relentless will to win. From his time with the Chicago Bulls to his brief stint with the Washington Wizards, his influence on the court was undeniable. At his peak, Jordan was not only the best player in the NBA, but he also transcended the game itself, becoming a global icon and an embodiment of excellence.

The statistics are staggering. Six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and ten scoring titles. Jordan’s career achievements are a testament to his greatness. He was a 14-time NBA All-Star, a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a six-time NBA Finals MVP.

These numbers alone position him as one of the most decorated athletes in the history of professional sports. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to increase his game when the stakes were highest.

Jordan’s perfect 6-0 record in the NBA Finals is a major part of his legacy. Every time he reached the pinnacle of basketball, he delivered, never allowing his team to lose in the final series. His performances in those Finals, particularly in clutch moments, have become legendary.

It wasn’t just about the championships for Jordan

The “Flu Game” in 1997, his game-winning shot in the 1989 Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and his iconic “The Last Shot” in 1998, are just a few examples of his ability to shine when the pressure was at its peak.

It was also how he won them. His ability to perform in high-stress situations, and his clutch performances in key moments, cement his place in history.

Jordan’s influence extends beyond just his basketball ability. His global reach helped take the NBA to new heights. He became the face of basketball during the 1990s, attracting fans from every corner of the globe.

His rivalry with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the 1980s helped bring the NBA to national prominence, but it was Jordan who made the game a global phenomenon.

His iconic partnership with Nike, resulting in the Air Jordan brand, revolutionized the sneaker culture and left a lasting impact on both the fashion industry and sports marketing.

The Air Jordan shoes became synonymous with excellence and were a cultural staple during the 1990s and beyond. Jordan’s work ethic, fierce competitiveness, and leadership were central to his success. He was known for his intensity in practice and his constant push to make himself and his teammates better.

His willingness to challenge his teammates and demand excellence from everyone around him was a driving force behind the Chicago Bulls’ success. Jordan’s leadership was not just about words, but about setting an example through his actions.

No matter what, he showed up every day

He didn’t just show up on game day—he showed up every day, whether it was in practice or in the weight room, leading by example and pushing everyone to work on their game. This work ethic became the standard for future generations of NBA players.

While Jordan’s on-court accomplishments are well-documented, his influence off the court was equally significant. His leadership in social causes, his role as an advocate for racial equality, and his willingness to speak out on important issues set him apart from many other athletes of his era.

He wasn’t afraid to use his platform to promote change, despite the risks to his image and endorsements. Jordan’s voice has continued to resonate in important conversations long after his playing days ended.

Another factor that keeps Jordan at the top of the GOAT debate is his impact on the modern game. The level of athleticism, skill, and competition in the NBA today can be traced back, in many ways, to Jordan.

His style of play, his competitive drive, and his commitment to excellence raised the bar for future generations. Young players looked up to him as a role model, and many current NBA stars, from Kobe Bryant to LeBron James, have spoken about how Jordan influenced their approach to the game.

There are those who argue that the rise of LeBron James or other players in the current era could challenge Jordan’s claim to the title of GOAT. While LeBron’s career is extraordinary and his impact on the game is undeniable, the debate often comes back to Jordan’s unmatched ability to perform under pressure.

Comparison is inevitable

In the Finals, his undefeated record speaks volumes. LeBron, while amazing, has experienced more failure in his championship appearances, which has been used by many to compare the two’s legacies.

While comparisons between the two are inevitable, they often fall short of capturing Jordan’s distinct place in NBA history. His flawless Finals record, coupled with his consistent dominance over the course of his career, gives him an edge in the GOAT debate.

The combination of Jordan’s skill set, his leadership, and his cultural influence is why his legacy remains untouchable.

Michael Jordan may have retired in 2003, but his legacy continues to live on. From his championships with the Bulls to his influence on the NBA’s global reach, his impact transcends the game itself.

There will always be debates over who is the greatest of all time, but Michael Jordan’s name will always be at the center of that discussion. His legacy, both on and off the court, is unparalleled, and his place in basketball history remains secure.