Is LeBron James or Michael Jordan the greatest of all-time? This is arguably the best barbershop debate ever. Recently, James gave his perspective on the debate.
In an interview with ESPN, James spoke about the influence that Jordan had on him, which is the reason her wears number 23.
“I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
James also spoke about how his game differs from Jordan’s.
“I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different. And I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life,” James said. “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—, he was f—ing great,” James continued. “We’re both great. We’re both great basketball players.”
The Los Angeles Lakers star also shared what he believes Jordan did better than him on the court.
“There are a lot of things that MJ did better than I do,” James said. “And I think there are some things that I do better than him. That’s just how the game goes. There’s a lot of things that I can say in particular. You already know how this conversation is going to be [misinterpreted] by people, man.”
When it comes to the GOAT debate, James described it as “a very tiring conversation” and “barbershop talk.”
“You can look at both of us and say that you love both of us without trying to s— on the other person,” said James. “And usually, it’s s—ting on me,” James said. “But I know for sure that I’ve done my part in this journey.”
He then spoke on his 4-6 record in the NBA Finals. Many Jordan fans hold it against him because Jordan went 6-0 in the Finals. Over time, “King James” has learned to shrug off the constant criticism and appreciate his own accomplishments.
“When I was younger, I used to have the notion of like people were getting on me for losing in the Finals. And when I was younger, I used to listen to it,” James said.
“Like, people will really rather you not make the playoffs or lose in the first round than to lose in the Finals, which is crazy to me. I almost feel like it’s because it’s me?” he continued. “Everybody has to say something about my career: ‘Oh, well, he made eight straight Finals, but he was only able to win three.’ ‘He’s the leading scorer in NBA history.”