LeBron James Makes Michael Jordan Statement Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 8:45 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Hall of Famer Steve Nash taped a live episode of "Mind the Game" on Saturday at Fanatics Fest in New York.

During the live taping, fans in the audience were able to ask James and Nash, two of the best players in NBA history, questions.

One fan asked James which player he would want to play with from a previous era and the 21-time All-Star didn't mince words.

James, 40, went with his childhood idol, Chicago Bulls and NBA icon Michael Jordan.

"When you're talking about inspiration, there was nobody more inspiring to me than Michael Jordan," James said. "I think our games would've complemented as well. MJ was a flat-out scorer. He had a scorer's mentality.

"If I had to pick him, but I know I can't pick him because I know how social media works. You (expletive) are gonna be like, 'Oh, you wanna play with Michael Jordan too? You played with everybody else, (expletive).'

"I didn't ask the question. I'm only answering it guys. I didn't ask the question."

Jordan and James are universally recognized as the top two players of all time. They have combined to win nine MVPs, 10 championships and 10 Finals MVPs.

Jordan won five MVPs, six rings and six Finals MVPs with the Bulls in the '90s, while James is a four-time MVP, a four-time champion and a four-time Finals MVP.

Jordan is first in NBA history in points per game in the regular season and playoffs, while James is the leading scorer of all time.

Jordan hasn't spoken publicly in a long time, but that will change next season, as the NBA great has joined NBA on NBC as a special contributor.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: