NBA legend Michael Jordan makes something clear about the GOAT debate with LeBron James

The debate over the NBA’s GOAT has been a long-standing topic among fans and analysts. Initially, the conversation revolved around Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, two superstars who dominated the league during their eras with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. However, Michael Jordan’s emergence in the 1980s shifted the narrative, cementing him as the ultimate standard of greatness. For years, it seemed no one could challenge that title—until LeBron James entered the scene. His remarkable career has reignited discussions, with many now splitting their votes between these two basketball legends.

When Jordan entered the NBA in 1984, he revolutionized the game and became the face of the league. For years, his dominance was unquestioned, but LeBron’s ascent introduced a fresh argument. Jordan, however, sees the debate as being rooted in generational perspectives.

“In essence, it’s all related to who is watching now,” Jordan said during a 2020 interview with Cigar Aficionado. “If you ask [people] 20 years from now, I’m pretty sure LeBron [James] may beat me based on who’s making the voting. So I say that I understand it is what it is. I don’t wear it. I don’t showcase it. I don’t rub it in other people’s faces”.

Jordan’s point highlights an undeniable truth—fans today didn’t witness his six NBA Finals MVP performances or his leadership in securing six titles for the Bulls. Instead, they’ve grown up watching LeBron James and Stephen Curry define the modern NBA, with memorable Finals matchups between the Cavaliers and the Warriors dominating seasons.

Stephen Curry #30 drives to the basket defended by LeBron James #23 in the first half during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Jordan chooses between LeBron and Curry for a 1-on-1 matchup

In a 2019 interview with TODAY, Jordan was asked which current star he’d prefer to face in a hypothetical prime one-on-one game. His response was as candid as it gets.

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“Well, I’d go against Stephen Curry because I’m a little bit bigger than him, so I could back him in. But LeBron’s a little bit too big,” Jordan explained. “If I was in my prime, could I beat LeBron in a one-on-one game? No question,” he added. “And he’s going to say no question. [Curry] is a great player—not a Hall of Famer yet, though. He’s not”.

Jordan backtracks on Curry Hall of Fame comments

Two years later, Curry got the chance to confront Jordan about his Hall of Fame comments during a conversation at the Ryder Cup. Naturally, the Warriors superstar didn’t let the moment pass without addressing the topic.

During an interview with The Athletic NBA Show, Curry recounted the exchange. When journalist Marcus Thompson asked if he had asked Jordan, “Are you a Hall of Famer now?” Curry shared his response. “The first question, I just blurted it out, and he said, ‘First-ballot Hall of Fame, no problem.’ That’s verbatim what he said”.

This lighthearted moment between two all-time greats proved that even in debates about the GOAT, mutual respect remains at the forefront of their interactions.