Michael Jordan's exact feelings on constant comparisons between himself and LeBron James have been revealed by a source close to him.
Jordan, a six-time NBA champion, retired back in 2003 but many still believe he is the greatest to ever play the game of basketball.
The five-time MVP dominated his era with two separate three-peats with the Chicago Bulls and truly transcended the game. But James, wearing the No.23 in tribute to 'His Airness', has picked up from where Jordan left off - taking the game to new heights with four NBA title wins and 42,184 points in his 22-year career.
The pair of legends, along with the late Kobe Bryant, sare involved in the never-ending GOAT debate which pits the icons' achievements and legacy against one another.
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However, despite his desire to be the very best on the court - and claims that he doesn't speak to James - it's been communicated that Jordan is not particularly interested in all that comes with the debate.
An insider told reporter and former Chicago Tribune columnist Elliot Barnes that Jordan "laughs at half" of the comments and "respects LeBron a lot more than most people know".
Another Jordan confidant, a retired coach, added that the debate is "toxic and "a cult" whilst claiming that Jordan is "tired of being the golden calf".
Michael Jordan believes four NBA stars are 'generational'
Recently it was confirmed that Jordan will be taking a "special contributor role" on NBC from next season and a key reason is so he can set the record straight, "change the narrative" and give four current NBA stars their flowers.
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Jordan is said to be of the view that James, Steph Curry, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are all generational talents who need more respect.
In the same report, a source believed to have been involved in negotiations which led to Jordan signing with NBC said: "Mike told us flat-out. If hearing it from him is what it takes for these fans to stop disrespecting guys like LeBron, Steph, or even Harden, then so be it. He wants the game to move forward.
“Fandom has gotten so warped. They hate today’s game, but still watch every second. They say it’s not physical enough, but they ignore how advanced players have become. And they use Jordan like a weapon in every conversation. It’s delusional."
It's claimed Jordan told a producer that the current era of basketball "has some of the most skilled players we’ve ever seen" and that they deserve more appreciation from the fans.
Topics: Michael Jordan, Lebron James, NBA, Basketball
Josh Lawless