Michael Wilbon reveals Jordan’s true feelings about LeBron
No one in sports media is more devoted to both Michael Jordan and Michael Jordan. LeBron James Than Michael Wilbon. According to Wilbon, the perception of competition is not what it seems.
Wilbon appeared on “First Take” on Wednesday and talked about how Jordan told people at ESPN to take it easy on James for not winning a championship at the beginning of his career.
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“It took LeBron seven years to win the championship, just like it took Michael,” Wilbon said. “I remember talking to Michael after James lost to the Celtics in the 2020 playoffs. Michael said, ‘Hey, be careful with this kid.’ And Michael had a list of things he really liked about LeBron James.”
“If people think Jordan is somehow upset with LeBron, they’re wrong.”
LeBron James and Michael Jordan attend the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
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The episode covered an ESPN profile of James as his career was coming to an end. In the interview, James talked about choosing to wear number 23 as a tribute to his childhood idol.
“I hope I at least made him proud by wearing No. 23,” James told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Despite James’s view of Jordan throughout his playing career, talk shows framed the duo against each other during James’s prime. Skip Bayless has built a career debating LeBron and Jordan at nearly every stage of James’ run.
LeBron vs. Jordan defined the “hot buy” era of sports media. This elevated not only Bayless, but also Stephen A. Smith, Nick Wright, Colin Cowherd and Shannon Sharpe.
The debate was largely symbolic. There is no true greatest of all time. This is not a real title. Still, fans embraced it, engaging and discussing it on social media.
Interest in the debate waned later in James’ career. Although he won his fourth championship in his second season in Los Angeles, his move to the Lakers signaled that he was moving away from chasing Jordan’s six championships.
Michael Wilbon speaks to the media during Game One of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., on June 1, 2023. (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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James also became a more polarizing figure in 2018, addressing political, social and racial issues. This change coincided with a decrease in the number of audiences for his plays.
In response, Jordan preached, “Republicans buy sneakers too.” Jordan appealed to all sports fans. James cut his call in half with his criticism of Donald Trump, support for BLM and defense of the Chinese Communist Party.
Between Jordan’s apolitical bona fides and his six rings, the public has made up its mind: Jordan is bigger than LeBron.
Team Wilbon coach Michael Wilbon smiles during roster introductions ahead of the NBA All Star Celebrity Game at Wintrust Arena on February 14, 2020. (Quinn Harris/USA TODAY Sports)
However, as Wilbon reported, the controversy never affected Jordan or James as much as it affected the media and the audience. This context is important as James approaches the final phase of his career. Whatever you think of James personally, he is one of the greatest American athletes of all time.
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Case in point: The 41-year-old led the Lakers to a 3-1 series lead over the Rockets while his other stars were out due to injury.
If you like Michael Wilbon’s insights, he spoke with OutKick twice last year. You can read those interviews here: Part 1 And Part 2.
