LeBron James is currently preparing for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. This postseason is the latest opportunity for James to continue building his case as the greatest basketball player of all-time.
James’ frequent adversary in the GOAT discussion is Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. As the James vs. Jordan debate continues, one of James’ former teammates clarified his opinion.
LeBron James’ Former Teammate Backs Michael Jordan As Greatest of All-Time
James’ former Miami Heat teammate Mario Chalmers gave his thoughts on the GOAT debate on the show “Run It Back.”
The former point guard was asked if there’s anything James can do this year or next year to surpass Jordan as the NBA’s greatest player of all-time, and Chalmers explained why Jordan will always remain No. 1 in his eyes.
To Mario Chalmers, LeBron James will NEVER be able to surpass Michael Jordan 🐐🗣️
“MJ just has the aura.”@mchalmers15 | @MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/yLOIo5OHcE
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 16, 2026
“For me, now I’m speaking for me, I’m a player that wants that last second shot, that always thrives in that last second moment, so no matter if I’m on the team or not, I want that player to be able to take the shot,” Chalmers explained. “And I’m not saying Bron won’t do that, and hasn’t did it, but Jordan just has the aura of like, ‘I’m going to do it.’
“We know Bron is going to make the right play and help people win the game; Jordan is gonna go get it. They both make the right plays at the end, but I just feel like [with] Jordan, his aura is more my speed.”
Chalmers reinforced the somewhat popular opinion of those who favor Jordan: that he has more of an alpha mentality compared to James. Even though James has hit plenty of game winners, his natural thought is to make the right play at all times, as Chalmers points out, even if that means deferring to his teammates.
Jordan led the NBA in shot attempts multiple times throughout his career, something James hasn’t done, and he never backed down in a clutch moment. Others may choose to focus on James’ ability to dominate games with his passing and scoring, giving him a more versatile skillset that allows him to win in multiple ways.
Chalmers praised James’ all-around game, which some fans believe gives him the edge over Jordan. The conversation always inevitably turns to championships, where Jordan still has the edge.
James is seeking to win his fifth championship over the next two months, which would leave him one short of Jordan. He’s leading a shorthanded Lakers team into a tough matchup against the Rockets, with both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves rehabbing significant injuries.
If James can find a way to overcome Kevin Durant and the Rockets with two All-Star-level players missing, that may change a few minds in the GOAT discussion. However, Chalmers will not be one of them.
