LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, recently opened up about his relationship with basketball legend Michael Jordan during an interview on "The Pat McAfee Show" that aired on March 26, 2025. As one of the most discussed topics in sports, the dynamic between James and Jordan is often framed against their respective careers, with fans and analysts alike frequently debating who ranks as the greatest of all time.
In the 75-minute interview, James described his current relationship with Jordan as being in a "good spot," but acknowledged that there is a noticeable distance between them. "We don’t talk," James candidly stated. "Because I’m still playing. I’m still focused on my craft right now." This sentiment reflects the intense competitiveness that has defined both players’ careers.
James, who has won four NBA championships and four MVP awards, noted that much of the distance stems from their shared competitive nature. Jordan, a six-time champion and five-time MVP, is regarded as one of the most ruthless competitors in sports history. "I think it’s because I’m still playing," James explained. "And MJ, we all know MJ. Even if you don’t know him personally, he is one of the most ruthless competitors there is. Until I’m done and he doesn’t have to look at me running up and down wearing the No. 23, my name being mentioned with his, our relationship will have to wait."
Despite the current distance, James expressed hope that their relationship could deepen after he retires. He drew a parallel to his evolving friendship with the late Kobe Bryant, which blossomed after Bryant's retirement. "That’s when our relationship became really, really good," James recalled. "He welcomed me. He called me, like, ‘Bro, anything you need in LA, I got you. You’re a Laker now. You’re family.’" This camaraderie was evident as Bryant often attended Lakers games and supported James publicly, including a tweet encouraging him to continue transcending the game.
James and Jordan did share a memorable moment at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, where they embraced during the halftime tribute to the league’s 75th Anniversary Team. "That was dope," James said of the moment. "That’s straight respect, admiration. For sure, I wear 23 because of MJ and the inspiration he gave me as a kid in Akron, Ohio, who didn’t have much inspiration in my hometown."
While James remains focused on his career, he also took the opportunity to discuss his son, Bronny James, who has been making strides in his rookie season with the Lakers. Bronny, who was drafted last year, scored a season-high 17 points in a recent game, showcasing his potential. James expressed immense pride in his son's development, stating, "For me as a dad, it doesn’t matter if he never scores, ever. I’m just super proud of him, period, as a young man."
Bronny has faced his own challenges, including a cardiac arrest incident during college that required corrective surgery. Reflecting on Bronny's debut for the Lakers, James described the overwhelming joy he felt. "Us going out on the floor and having that moment, physically I wasn’t even there," he said. "I wasn’t even there. I was floating. I could only imagine where Bronny was. We haven’t even talked about it yet. At some point we will. But I wasn’t even there. I was so [happy], I might have been in the rafters. I might have been at home – my body might have been at home watching the game and watching the moment. I completely was not there."
James also mentioned his younger son, Bryce, who is committed to play basketball for the University of Arizona in the fall of 2025. When asked if he could see himself staying in the NBA long enough to play alongside both of his sons, James, with a smile, replied, "Don’t do that to me." This light-hearted response underscores his desire to remain competitive while cherishing family moments.
As James continues his 22nd season in the NBA, the conversation around his legacy and relationship with Jordan remains a focal point in sports discussions. The intertwining of their careers, marked by competition and mutual respect, continues to shape the narrative of modern basketball. With James still actively playing and striving for greatness, fans are left to wonder how the relationship might evolve in the future.
In the meantime, both James and Jordan's legacies will continue to inspire new generations of basketball players and fans. As they navigate their respective journeys, the respect between these two icons of the sport remains a testament to their shared passion for the game.
