The long-running debate over basketball’s greatest player took an unexpected political turn after US President Donald Trump said NBA superstar LeBron James “may be a racist” while backing Michael Jordan as the greatest player in history.
Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters, after LeBron completed a blockbuster move to the Philadelphia 76ers following the end of his eight-year spell with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Trump backs Michael Jordan over LeBron James
Asked to choose between Michael Jordan and LeBron James in the greatest-of-all-time debate, Trump offered an emphatic endorsement of the six-time NBA champion before turning his attention to LeBron.
“Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump said.
He then added:
“I think LeBron is- maybe he’s a racist. Maybe he doesn’t like Trump. But I only like people that like me. So I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”
The comments have quickly sparked fresh debate across social media, given Trump’s long-running public disagreements with LeBron.
A long-running feud
Trump and LeBron have clashed publicly for several years. The NBA star has frequently criticised Trump over issues ranging from race relations to social justice and voting rights during Trump’s first presidency. Trump, in turn, has repeatedly taken aim at the four-time NBA champion through speeches, interviews and social media posts.
The latest remarks come just days after LeBron announced he would join the Philadelphia 76ers on a reported two-year, $8 million contract, describing it as his “last decision” in professional basketball.
LeBron begins a new chapter
James said he chose Philadelphia because he still believes he can compete for another NBA championship.
“I still truly love this game, and I have more to give,” LeBron wrote while announcing his decision to leave Los Angeles.
The 41-year-old will enter his 24th NBA season, extending one of the longest and most decorated careers in basketball history.
One of basketball’s greatest careers
Whether or not the GOAT debate is ever settled, James’ achievements remain unmatched in several categories.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer has accumulated more than 43,000 regular-season points, won four NBA championships, collected four NBA MVP awards, four NBA Finals MVP trophies, and earned 22 All-Star selections.
He also owns three Olympic gold medals with the United States and previously held the record as the youngest player to score 40 points in an NBA game before Cooper Flagg surpassed it last season.
Now in Philadelphia, LeBron will attempt to add another championship to a career that has already secured his place among basketball’s all-time greats, even as the debate over whether he or Michael Jordan deserves the GOAT label continues.
