Spoiler Alert: Michael Jordan and LeBron James aren’t friends.
The Los Angeles Lakers superstar joined Pat McAfee on Tuesday afternoon, and the ESPN personality couldn’t help but ask James about the man he’s been chasing. While the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was quick to comment that they are on sound terms, he also didn’t act as if the two legendary figures keep in touch.
More specifically, James went on to say he believes their relationship will grow stronger with time. He suggested that because he is still running up and down the court every day, the ultra-competitive Jordan has no interest in being his friend.
“We’re in a good spot. We don’t talk … because I’m still playing. I’m still focused on my craft right now,” James told McAfee.
…
“We all know MJ. Even if you don’t know him personally, he’s one of the most ruthless competitors there is. And, until I’m done, and he doesn’t have to look at me run up and down wearing the No. 23 and every time my name is mentioned it’s mentioned with him, he’s like ‘I won’t f***ing talk to you.'”
I’m sure this comment will go over well with everyone!
“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
LeBron James Talks Relationship with Michael Jordan
Yes, I can understand where LeBron James is coming from. Michael Jordan is the ultimate competitor, and he probably has zero interest in chumming it up with the very player who many argue has come for his crown. At the same time, why would James’ retirement remove that competitive impulse? These two are going to be compared to one another well past James’ days in a Lakers jersey, so I’m not sure I see a world where they sit down for lunch on the regular.
Likewise, this is all under the assumption that Jordan is actively choosing NOT to have a relationship with James. Isn’t it possible that things simply aren’t this deep for the Chicago Bulls legend? Jordan’s legacy is etched in stone. I mean, the NBA quite literally re-named the MVP award after him. He also owns a world-renowned shoe company and has several billion dollars in his back pocket. As competitive as Jordan may be, there is a very good chance he’s accomplished enough to be at peace with his legacy.
If anything, the fact that James feels this way about his relationship with Jordan may indirectly go to show the recognition he hopes to one day receive from His Airness. And, well, doesn’t that just say everything about who the real GOAT is? *he types while smirking*
If one thing is for sure, James still has nothing but love for Jordan and made sure to articulate precisely that:
“That’s just straight respect, admiration. Like I said, I wear No. 23 because of MJ. The inspiration that he gave me as a kid in Akron, Ohio. As a kid that don’t have much inspiration in your hometown, you look at something. Somebody in sports, somebody in music, somebody on the TV screen. Will Smith on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Michael Jordan playing on the Bulls, Jay-Z, Biggie, and Tupac. That was my inspiration,” James said.
