The debate over the greatest basketball player ever often comes down to two names: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Jordan, known for his six championships and unforgettable moments, set the standard for greatness. Meanwhile, a true talent, LeBron has changed the game in many ways, excelling as a scorer, playmaker, and leader on and off the court. This ongoing debate is often made more interesting by stories from players who saw both legends play.
In a recent episode of the Forgotten Seasons podcast, former NBA champion Antoine Walker told an interesting story about young LeBron. During summer workouts, he discussed LeBron’s strong desire to play with basketball legend Michael Jordan.
In the summer of 2001, Jordan was preparing to return after retiring from the Chicago Bulls. He set up some high-stakes pickup games at UCLA and invited many NBA players and young talents, including 16-year-old LeBron James, who was already making a name for himself in high school basketball.
Walker shared that during these games, LeBron often had to wait for hours to get on the court with Jordan. He said, “I’m watching MJ come back, Ron Artest is guarding him, and cracked his rib, trying to get him back. Just guarding him. The toughness with which you have to play with, it was different. I remember LeBron came up there; he couldn’t even get in… It was that thick. Granted, he was young, 16-17, but he couldn’t get in. We were at UCLA, we had 30 pros.“
LeBron James’s eagerness to play with Jordan shows how much Jordan influenced basketball. Walker’s memories of the competitive atmosphere highlight how tough it was for a high schooler like LeBron to join the game with so many experienced players.
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LeBron James Remembers Playing With His Idol Michael Jordan During His Rookie Season
Later, LeBron talked about this experience on UNINTERRUPTED, sharing his excitement about playing with Jordan. He said this happened during his rookie season, but the joy of playing with his idol was still special.
“That’s Michael Jordan’s camp in Santa Barbara. We were on the same team then,” LeBron James remembered. He explained how the camp allowed kids to watch the first game and then sent most of them away, letting only a few stay for more scrimmages.
“We would get a good run-in for about an hour, hour-fifteen. So, yeah, I was on a team with MJ, and we didn’t lose a game.“
The pickup games were full of exciting moments and showed strong competition. Walker mentioned the fun trash talk between him and Jordan as they led their teams. LeBron recalled the thrill of being on the court with his hero, saying, “For me to be on the court at 16 years old… it was like, this can’t be real.” The intensity of these games offered valuable lessons for both young players and pros.
The connection between LeBron James and Michael Jordan goes beyond rivalry; it is built on respect and admiration. Both players acknowledge each other’s greatness, with LeBron often crediting Jordan as a key influence in his career. This respect was clear during public events, like when they embraced at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.
Debates about the greatest basketball player often overlook stories like Walker’s, highlighting the mutual respect between these two icons. LeBron’s decision to wait for hours to play with Jordan reflects his dedication and the influence of legends on aspiring athletes.
Also Read: Former NBA Player Names LeBron James’ One Shortcoming That Makes Michael Jordan The GOAT
