LeBron James Reflects on His Relationship with Michael Jordan and His Son Bronny’s NBA Journey
Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball icon, has long been a figure of admiration for LeBron James. From idolizing Jordan as a child to now being compared to him in the twilight of his own Hall of Fame career, James’ journey has been nothing short of remarkable. In a candid interview on “The Pat McAfee Show,” James opened up about his current relationship with Jordan, offering insights into their dynamic and his hopes for the future.
During the 75-minute interview, which was recorded at McAfee’s studio outside Indianapolis, James described his relationship with Jordan as being in “a good spot,” though he acknowledged that there is a certain distance between them. “We don’t talk,” James admitted. “Because I’m still playing. I’m still playing, I’m still focused on my craft right now.”
James expressed optimism about the possibility of developing a rapport with Jordan after he retires, similar to the bond he formed with the late Kobe Bryant. “The funny thing is, me and Kobe — the late, great Kob, obviously — me and Kobe never had a real relationship either,” James shared. He recounted their competitive interactions during the 2008 and 2012 Olympic teams and how their relationship evolved after Bryant’s retirement in 2016 and James’ move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
“That’s when our relationship became really, really good,” James said, recalling how Bryant welcomed him to L.A. with open arms. “He called me, like, ‘Bro, anything you need in L.A., I got you. You’re a Laker now. You’re family.'” James fondly remembered Bryant’s support, especially when he surpassed him in the scoring record in Philadelphia, and how much Bryant’s encouragement meant to him.
James and Jordan did share a memorable moment at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, where they embraced during the league’s 75th Anniversary Team celebration. “That was dope,” James said, reflecting on the respect and admiration he holds for Jordan. “I wear 23 because of MJ. And the inspiration that he gave me as a kid in Akron, Ohio, who don’t have much inspiration in your hometown.”
However, as long as James, now 40, continues to play and build his résumé to rival Jordan’s — a six-time champion, five-time MVP, and 10-time scoring champ — he doesn’t foresee their relationship changing. “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 and until I’m done and he doesn’t have to look at me running up and down wearing the No. 23 and every time my name is mentioned, it’s mentioned with his, [a relationship will have to wait].”
Bronny James’ NBA Journey
In addition to discussing his relationship with Jordan, James also touched on his son Bronny James and his development during his rookie season with the Lakers. “For me as a dad, it doesn’t matter if he never scores, ever. For me as a dad, I’m just super proud of him, period, as a young man,” James said. “For me as a mentor and as a teammate of his that wants to see him thrive because I have seen the work he’s put into the game, I am super proud of his development to where he is now.”
Bronny, who was selected by the Lakers with the No. 55 pick in the second round after his freshman season at USC, recently scored a season-high 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting for the Lakers. He followed that performance with an impressive 39 points on 14-for-21 shooting for the South Bay Lakers, L.A.’s G League affiliate. “Super proud of Bronny,” James said. “Super proud of his game and where he is today, starting off the G League season with just trying to figure it out and now, 39 [points] and even when I talked to him, he was more pissed off at the technical free throw that he missed more than anything. He was like, ‘I could have had a 40 ball, and I missed that damn technical free throw.’ So, the kid, he’s awesome.”
Reflecting on Bronny’s journey, James recalled the emotional moment when Bronny made his debut for the Lakers on opening night against the Minnesota Timberwolves, less than a year and a half after suffering a cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart defect. “Us going out on the floor and having that moment, physically I wasn’t even there,” James said. “I wasn’t even there. I’m 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 [overjoyed], 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’ younger son, 17-year-old Bryce, is also making waves, having recently won a state championship during his senior season with Sierra Canyon and committing to play basketball for the University of Arizona in the fall. When asked if he could see himself staying in the NBA long enough to play alongside both of his sons, James responded with a smile, “Don’t do that to me.”
Originally Written by: Dave McMenamin
