Originally published by LakersNation.com
Over the years, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has naturally been compared to Michael Jordan as two of the best basketball players ever, if not the very best.
In an interview with Dave McMenamin of ESPN though, James opened up about that and explained why it is tough to compare the two considering their games are so different:
There are a lot of things that MJ did better than I do. 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.
I think I am one-of-one. I think the way I play the game, I am a one-of-one player. And MJ, as well. A f—ing unbelievable basketball player. I think his midrange jump shot was unbelievable. He did so many things great. I grew up f—ing analyzing everything that he did. How he could get to his spot and rise up above everybody. Obviously, his post game was elite. His will to win. I think that is a trait that we all know and that we all wanted to be like. His determination to win.
I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different. I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life. 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. We’re both great. We’re both great basketball players.
James naturally grew up idolizing Jordan and even wears No. 23 as a tribute. Even though they are often compared, he hopes he has been able to make the legend proud:
No. I think it’s a very tiring conversation. It’s 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. And usually, it’s s—ting on me.
But I know for sure that I’ve done my part in this journey and more than anything I hope — I don’t know — but I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23.
James’ fans and Jordan’s fans will never stop arguing about who is better, but those two themselves have always shared a mutual respect and admiration for each other. Hearing the Lakers star open up about it at this stage of his career is pretty cool, especially given all of the vitriol online surrounding the two.
Michael Jordan weighs in on LeBron James debate
Earlier this season, Jordan himself weighed in on the debate and being compared to James and another Lakers legend in Kobe Bryant.
He shared a similar sentiment as James, believing it is hard to compare them since they played in different eras.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
Over the years, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has naturally been compared to Michael Jordan as two of the best basketball players ever, if not the very best.
In an interview with Dave McMenamin of ESPN though, James opened up about that and explained why it is tough to compare the two considering their games are so different:
There are a lot of things that MJ did better than I do. 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.
I think I am one-of-one. I think the way I play the game, I am a one-of-one player. And MJ, as well. A f—ing unbelievable basketball player. I think his midrange jump shot was unbelievable. He did so many things great. I grew up f—ing analyzing everything that he did. How he could get to his spot and rise up above everybody. Obviously, his post game was elite. His will to win. I think that is a trait that we all know and that we all wanted to be like. His determination to win.
I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different. I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life. 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. We’re both great. We’re both great basketball players.
James naturally grew up idolizing Jordan and even wears No. 23 as a tribute. Even though they are often compared, he hopes he has been able to make the legend proud:
No. I think it’s a very tiring conversation. It’s 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. And usually, it’s s—ting on me.
But I know for sure that I’ve done my part in this journey and more than anything I hope — I don’t know — but I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23.
James’ fans and Jordan’s fans will never stop arguing about who is better, but those two themselves have always shared a mutual respect and admiration for each other. Hearing the Lakers star open up about it at this stage of his career is pretty cool, especially given all of the vitriol online surrounding the two.
Michael Jordan weighs in on LeBron James debate
Earlier this season, Jordan himself weighed in on the debate and being compared to James and another Lakers legend in Kobe Bryant.
He shared a similar sentiment as James, believing it is hard to compare them since they played in different eras.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
