LeBron James has never been shy about putting himself in the greatest-of-all-time (GOAT) conversation. But long before he publicly gave himself that title in 2018, James had already made it clear that Michael Jordan was the standard he wanted to surpass.
On Monday, former Indiana Pacers star Al Harrington shared a never-before-heard story about how seriously James took that pursuit. Harrington’s incredible tale prompted the NBA world to roast James.
LeBron James Takes Aim at Michael Jordan? Al Harrington’s Revelation Sets Off NBA Community
Throughout his career, James has said he wore No. 23 as a tribute to Jordan, the Chicago Bulls legend who helped inspire his love for basketball. The Akron, Ohio, native has repeatedly spoken about Jordan’s influence on him, making Harrington’s story particularly intriguing.
Appearing on the “To The Baha” podcast Monday, Harrington recalled hearing James declare:
“When I’m done with the No. 23, they’ll never remember that dude.”
LeBron at 20-years-old:
“When I’m done with the No. 23, they’ll never remember that dude.”
(via @ToTheBaha, Tidal League) pic.twitter.com/sddnMJJUf8
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 31, 2026
The revelation quickly sent NBA fans into the Jordan-James debate, with many arguing that the statement has not aged particularly well.
“He still chasing after 23 years. Been switching teams and chasing titles just to catch him too,” an NBA observer immediately bashed James.
He still chasing after 23 years. Been switching teams and chasing titles just to catch him too.
— Ashby Fox (@AshbyFox1) August 31, 2026
“Well (expletive) he’s gon hafta play til he’s 50 if that’s the goal cuz he ain’t succeeding in it anytime soon,” another basketball observer added.
“He Is The Other Dude Wearing #23, And He Picked #23 Because Of The Other Dude,” an X user gave the same point.
He Is The Other Dude Wearing #23 And He Picked #23 Because Of The Other Dude 🐐 #MJ
— 𝓢.𝓟 (@Slim_P_) August 31, 2026
Others pointed to what they believe is the clearest evidence that Jordan’s cultural impact remains untouched.
“(Expletive) got a Jumpman on his jersey,” an NBA supporter remarked.
“Anyone saying he accomplished that, go look in your closet; tell me what logo you see on your shoes. MJ is still relevant. Bron tried to do a space jam (makes sense now), and no one will ever remember it,” another NBA supporter underscored a similar point.
Anyone saying he accomplished that go look in your closet tell me what logo you see on your shoes 😂 MJ still relevant Bron tried to do a space jam (makes sense now) and no one will ever remember it
— 😶🌫️🗣️💨Deuce (@HoopDreamDuece) August 31, 2026
A few fans focused on James’ age and the length of his pursuit.
“Lmaooo how’d that work out buddy? Year 24 still trying,” a basketball enthusiast reacted.
Even the “To The Baha” social media site appeared to side with Jordan.
“CRAZY TALK… WE STILL ROCKING JORDANS TODAY.”
CRAZY TALK… WE STILL ROCKING JORDANS TODAY… make sure yall tap in with us https://t.co/ZHebl8NSdS
— ToTheBaha (@ToTheBaha) August 31, 2026
The reaction is rooted in a rivalry that has been part of James’ career almost from the beginning.
Jordan was already widely regarded as the GOAT before James entered the NBA. His six championships in six Finals appearances, along with six Finals MVP awards, created a standard that no subsequent superstar has been able to match.
James acknowledged that challenge himself during a 2016 Sports Illustrated interview.
“My motivation is this ghost I’m chasing. The ghost played in Chicago,” the former Cleveland Cavaliers superstar said then.
After leading Cleveland back from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to win the 2016 NBA championship, James believed he had finally done it.
“That one right there made me the greatest player of all time,” James said on Episode 7 of the “More Than An Athlete” series on ESPN+.
There is little question that James has built a GOAT-level résumé.
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Four championships, four MVPs, and four Finals MVPs put him firmly in the conversation. But Harrington’s story adds an interesting wrinkle to that debate because James was not simply trying to build his own legacy. He was trying to supplant Jordan in the people’s memory.
More than two decades after MJ’s retirement, the GOAT debate remains as polarizing and fierce as ever. James may have built a case that belongs alongside Jordan’s, but making No. 23 forgettable was always going to be a much harder assignment.
MJ’s name remains on jerseys, shoes, and generations of basketball culture, ensuring that the “other dude” is still very much remembered.
