NBA title 'GOAT'. LeBron James at the center of it mentioned his relationship with Michael Jordan.
James recently appeared on The Fat McAfee Show and talked about his current relationship with Jordan.
In fact, Jordan was a childhood idol for James. However, now that James has had an incredible career in the NBA, he is inevitably being compared.
James said he has a "good relationship" with Jordan, but said there was still a sense of distance.
James said, "We don't talk to each other. Why? Because I'm still playing and focusing on my career."
James, however, also hopes that Jordan's relationship with him will not be the same in the future. Just like Kobe Bryant, who is now gone to heaven.
"What's interesting is that Kobe and I weren't really close. We had good relationships together in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, but we were always in a competitive relationship. I was in the East, Kobe was in the West. The same goes for when we missed the opportunity to meet in the final of the 2008-09 season."
James and Kobe's relationship changed to a colleague rather than a competitor when they wore the Los Angeles Lakers uniform. James left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Lakers in the summer of 2018, signing a four-year, $154 million contract. It was two years after Kobe retired from the Lakers.
"When I came to the Lakers as an FA in 2018, Kobe and I had a really good relationship," James said. "Whenever you need anything from the Lakers, tell me. Now you're a family member of the Lakers." "Since then, we've talked a lot," he said. "Maybe you've seen him come to the stadium often. And when he surpassed Kobe's career-high score at Philadelphia, he left a message of support on social media. You don't know how much that meant to me."
Back to talking with Jordan, the two even gave a touching hug during their 75th anniversary celebration at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.
James said, "It was a wonderful moment. It was pure respect and awe. I got to wear the No. 23 jersey because of Jordan. As a kid growing up in Akron, Ohio, Jordan inspired me a lot." 먹튀검증
Of course, that doesn't mean James would be as friendly to Jordan as Kobe would be. The reason is clear. Because his NBA career is ongoing.
James said, "I'm still a professional player. Of course, everyone knows what Jordan is like. I don't know him personally, but he is one of the most level-headed competitors. Every time I play in uniform No. 23, my name will be mentioned, and if Jordan's name comes out as well, he will see me as a rival."