LeBron James Questions '90s NBA Talent While Bringing Up Michael Jordan

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated May 20, 2025 12:00 PM ET

LeBron James made a strong statement on how the modern-day NBA differs from the game fans watched in the 1990s. The game and the league have evolved constantly, going from a more physical competition in which hard fouls were regular to one where the offense rules and we see less intensity on defense until it's playoff time.

During Tuesday's episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast, James and co-host Steve Nash once again discussed various topics, including current topics such as the NBA playoffs, the teams with the most chances to win it all, but also how players from the past impacted and shaped the game.

One of the topics they touched on included the evolution of the game compared to the '90s. Nash, a player from that era, thinks that the modern-day NBA is in a great place.

"The game is beautiful now," Nash said. "I know a lot of the players from my generation are critical of the game. I watched these playoff games, man. I love the game. I love the NBA. I love the little battles, the chess matches, the randomness, but with principles. To me, it's in a beautiful place."

James agreed with it, but also criticized other players from that era who insist on downplaying the level of today's league. He went on to say that it's hard for him to enjoy what he used to growing up, given all the negativity from other legends.

"I loved it growing up," James responded. "The older generation, they make you not want to love the that I grew up watching. I grew up loving a Knicks versus Bulls playoff series or a Pacers versus Knicks playoff series. I'm from this small town outside of Cleveland, but watching the Cavs get an opportunity to play against MJ, [I] didn't never see it live, obviously, but everybody's excited about it...

"The generation, they talk so much (expletive) about the game today, and it makes you go back and watch the game back then and it makes you not even want to appreciate it no more like I did when I was a kid."

James also went against those who criticize his relationship with other active players, calling out the hypocrisy of their statements.

"These guys here say we can't be friends. 'You can't be friends with them. Why are you smiling on the court?' And then someone goes to find a clip of you standing next to this guy during the Finals, smiling and laughing."

This conversation has been a recurrent topic around the NBA world for a hot minute. Comparing eras leads nowhere, just like comparing players from different timelines. Life is about evolution, and the NBA isn't exempt from that.

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

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