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Watch: Trump calls LeBron 'racist', backs Michael Jordan in GOAT debate
President Donald Trump was asked to weigh in on the long-running NBA debate after being informed that LeBron James had joined Philadelphia 76ers.
During a White House press briefing on Friday, President Donald Trump was asked to weigh in on the long-running debate over the NBA's greatest player after being informed that LeBron James had agreed to a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Trump picks side in Jordan vs Lebron
When asked whether he considered Michael Jordan or LeBron James the greatest player of all time, Trump backed Jordan and also took a swipe at James.
“Well, Michael Jordan’s a friend of mine, play golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump replied.
“And I think LeBron is maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I only like people who like me. So I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”
The GOAT debate
For more than two decades, Michael Jordan's résumé—featuring six NBA championships and 14 All-Star selections—has cemented his place as the benchmark in the greatest-of-all-time conversation.
However, LeBron James has significantly strengthened his own case by capturing four NBA titles and earning 22 All-Star nods.
His longevity has further fueled the debate, with the 41-year-old continuing to perform at an elite level deep into his career.
Why did Trump choose Jordan over Lebron?
Trump's decision to dismiss James while labeling him a "racist" may align with his own explanation during the exchange, when he remarked, "I only like people who like me."
The Philadelphia 76ers' newest signing has been outspoken about his political views over the years.
Ahead of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, James publicly backed Hillary Clinton, making it clear that he did not support Donald Trump.
“I don’t want to see any of them fall through the cracks. That easily could have happened to me,” James wrote, via Basketball Network.
He further explained his endorsement and added, “When I look at this year’s presidential race, it’s clear which candidate believes the same thing. Only one person running truly understands the struggles of an Akron child born into poverty. And when I think about the kinds of policies and ideas the kids in my foundation need from our government, the choice is clear. That candidate is Hillary Clinton.”
James has remained consistent in his political endorsements since then, later supporting Joe Biden during the 2020 election and Kamala Harris in 2024, underscoring his longstanding opposition to Trump.
