‘We Keep It Private’: LeBron James Opens Up About His Bond with Michael Jordan

LeBron James and Michael Jordan are widely regarded as the benchmarks of the NBA. The discourse surrounding who holds the title of the greatest of all time often sparks intense debates between fans and analysts alike.

Both players have an impressive list of achievements—James is the league’s all-time leading scorer with four NBA championships and has claimed the MVP award four times. Meanwhile, Jordan holds the record for the highest scoring average in NBA history, has secured six championship titles, and won five MVP awards. The discussion surrounding their impact on the sport is likely to continue for generations.

When broached about his relationship with Jordan, James confessed that they don’t frequently communicate.

“We don’t chat,” James stated during a recent appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show.” “I’m still actively playing, deeply focused on my game.”

James mentioned that the competitive nature both he and Jordan possess contributes to their lack of regular contact. He also reflected on the meaningful conversations they’ve had, acknowledging Jordan’s influence as a role model, which is why he wears the No. 23 jersey.

“We all know MJ,” the 40-year-old remarked. “Even if you haven’t met him, you recognise him as one of the fiercest competitors out there. Until I’m finished and he doesn’t have to see me running around in the No. 23, or hear my name paired with his, he probably thinks: ‘I don’t want to talk to you right now. I’m in a different space.'”

James expressed hope that his relationship with Jordan could develop further once he retires, comparing it to his bond with the late Kobe Bryant, which strengthened after Bryant’s retirement.

“When I became a Laker and he had already retired, that’s when our relationship truly flourished,” James reminisced about his time with Bryant. “He reached out to me, saying: ‘Bro, if you need anything in LA, I’m here for you. You’re a Laker now. You’re family.'”

James recounted how they would have numerous conversations, highlighting Bryant’s presence at many games and the encouragement he showed when James surpassed him on the all-time scoring list. “He tweeted then: ‘Keep it going. Keep evolving the game.’ That meant the world to me.”

James made these comments just hours before the Lakers faced off against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, where he executed a stunning tip-in at the buzzer to snap LA’s three-game losing streak.

With the Pacers having taken a 119-118 lead and only 42.2 seconds left on the clock, Luka Dončić attempted to clinch the win for his team. His shot hit the rim, allowing James to tip the ball in just as the clock expired, securing the Lakers a 120-119 victory.

A video review was necessary to confirm that the shot counted, but after a few tense moments, the Lakers were able to celebrate their hard-fought victory.

“I was just trying to gauge where the ball would bounce off the rim,” James explained post-game. “It seemed like it might fall short, but I figured if it hit the front rim, it could return in our favour. When it came off, I wanted to tap it in just in time.”

“You probably saw me glancing at the Jumbotron to check if it counted, and thankfully, it did!”

In his performance, James totaled 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, extending his remarkable streak of scoring in double digits to 1,283 games, despite entering the fourth quarter without a basket and with only three points.

“It’s about doing whatever is necessary to help your teammates succeed,” said James. “I’ve always prided myself on being versatile—engaging my teammates, rebounding, defending, and contributing points wherever I can.”

Dončić finished with 34 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, with Austin Reaves adding 24 points. The victory propelled the Lakers back into contention, tying them with the Memphis Grizzlies for fourth place in the Western Conference.