LeBron James Settles the Debate on If He’s Better Than Michael Jordan

LeBron James and Michael Jordan at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game
Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty

James said he believes "a lot of things" about his game are "a lot different and a little better than" Jordan's, but told ESPN, "He was f---ing great. We're both great. We're both great basketball players."

The NBA's all-time leading scorer also said he believes "there are a lot of things" that Jordan "did better than I do" on the court. "And I think there are some things that I do better than him," he reiterated, adding, "That's just how the game goes."

James, currently playing in his 23rd NBA season, also joked with McMenamin that they both "already know how this conversation is going to be [misinterpreted] by people."

Ultimately, James said he finds the debate to be "a very tiring conversation" and labeled it "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," James said. "And usually, it's s---ting on me...but I know for sure that I've done my part in this journey."

LeBron James on Jan. 22, 2026 in Los Angeles
Credit: Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty

James said he thinks of himself as "one of one" and said he feels the same way about Jordan, calling the former Chicago Bull "a f---ing unbelievable basketball player."

"I grew up f---ing analyzing everything that he did, how he could get to his spot and rise up above everybody," James told ESPN. "I never thought that I could be him, but I dreamed of the opportunity to live in the shoes that he lived in," James said.

"I dreamed of being able to be in a big game and hit a game winner as the clock went down. I dreamed of having my own sneaker. I dreamed of flying through the air like him. I dreamed of people screaming my name. Everything that he did. I needed inspiration from certain people in music and in sports during my upbringing. I needed that," James told ESPN.

James and the Lakers are looking to advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs on Wednesday, April 29 with a win over the Houston Rockets. The Lakers currently lead three games to one in the series.

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