LeBron James finally revealed more about his personal relationship with Michael Jordan. Almost every basketball fan worldwide must be familiar with both these sports icons and the infamous GOAT debate that has always followed.
While fans might assume James has a rivalry with Jordan or feels opposed to him in some form, the fact remains that we know nothing about their personal relationship and how they view each other.
James recently participated in the Pat McAfee podcast and discussed his relationship with Jordan in detail. He also explained more about his relationship and bonding with the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
LeBron James Hopes To Have a Relationship With Michael Jordan After Retiring From the NBA
When stripped of all the accolades and accomplishments, both Jordan and James are simply students of the game who are looking to perfect their craft. Although they might have been able to have some relationship, their professional identities appeared to have prevented them from getting too friendly with each other. James appeared to imply as much during the podcast.
“Yeah, we’re (James and Jordan) in a good spot. We don’t talk because I’m still playing. I think it’s because I’m still playing I’m still focusing on my craft right now…I would hope so (having a normal conversation when done playing). You know the funny thing is me and Kobe besides…the late great Kobe. Me and Kobe never had a real relationship either,” James said.
James went on to describe his relationship with Bryant – “Until we was on the Olympic team, we had a great relationship there. It was always competitive between us. I was on the East Coast he was on the West Coast. Even though we never…I fu*ked up one time in 09 and didn’t beat Orlando and didn’t get an opportunity to play him in the Finals but like until i became a laker and he retired…That’s when our relationship became really good.”
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The four-time NBA champion praised Bryant for making him feel welcome with the Lakers, “He like welcomed me called me anything you need in LA I got you. You’re a Laker now.” He also mentioned that the late Lakers legend spoke highly of LeBron and saw him as ‘family,’ and was still in great spirits despite having his scoring record broken.
“Me & Michal Jordan are in a good spot..
I hope that we talk more when I’m done playing..
Me & Kobe never had a real relationship until we were at the Olympics together..
We were like family once he retired & I became a Laker..
MJ doesn’t wanna talk to me until I’m done” 😂😂… pic.twitter.com/axbmfJJvQk
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2025
James got back to the initial question regarding his relationship with Jordan, “So like, I think it’s cuz I’m still playing 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 till I’m done and he doesn’t have to look at me running up and down with the number 23, and every time my name is mentioned, it’s mentioned with his…He’s like I don’t fu*king wanna talk to you.”
One can certainly understand why the NBA’s all-time leading scorer feels this way. Interacting with Jordan while he is still competing would likely result in ruthless taunts and so on. It is undoubtedly in James’ best interest to hold off on trying to become friends with Jordan. Although it was possible with Bryant, it clearly won’t be the same with Jordan.