LeBron James on Michael Jordan GOAT debate: 'Our games are totally different'

Scooby Axson, USA TODAYWed, April 29, 2026 at 3:02 PM UTC

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The G.O.A.T. debate in pro basketball will never end, as most hoops experts have narrowed the list down to two players: Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

James was asked about the debate and Jordan's influence on his game.

"I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different," James said to ESPN.com. "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 (expletive), he was (expletive) great. We're both great. We're both great basketball players."

1 / 0Who's the NBA's GOAT? 30 players who have the best claimMichael Jordan, Laney High School (NC)

The 41-year-old James is the league's all-time scoring leader, and ranks No. 1 in games played as well as being the active leader in rebounds, assists, and steals.

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"There are a lot of things that MJ did better than I do," James said, "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."

James and Jordan may be different basketball players, but they agree on the GOAT conversation overall.

Jordan weighed in on the topic in March, telling CBS News, "There's no such thing as G.O.A.T. To say that one is better than the other, it's not really right," while James called the debate a "very tiring conversation" and "barbershop talk."

"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 (expletive) unbelievable basketball player," James said. "I think his midrange jump shot was unbelievable. He did so many things great. I grew up (expletive) 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."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron James weighs in on Michael Jordan GOAT debate

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