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‘Shoulda Been LeBron and MJ’: LeBron James’ Fans Speak Out After NBA 2K Reveals Michael Jordan as the Next Face of NBA 2K23

Published 07/05/2022, 8:30 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

NBA 2K23 is only a couple of months away from coming out. However, the debate for the cover athlete has been going on for the longest time. Now, the gaming company has answered all the questions of the fans. The Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker leads the way as he became the cover athlete for the first time. But Michael Jordan once again made the cut to become the cover for two special editions of the game. Likewise, LeBron James fans were upset for a peculiar reason.

The GOAT debate almost always includes two players, LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Both these basketball megastars arguably changed the game forever. His Airness started his reign in the 80s when he flew through opponents in the league. The Chicago Bulls’ number 23 jersey was enough to strike fear into anyone who came up against MJ.

Shortly after Jordan hung his boots, another young number 23 came into the NBA in the form of LeBron. The King came in with the expectations of the world to become the next Jordan. However, he created a legacy of his own, and the debate has been nonstop ever since.

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USA Today via Reuters

Now, NBA 2K23 had the chance to bring peace and respect among the two rival fanbases. However, their move to make Michael Jordan the sole number 23 on the cover of the game, rubbed LeBron James fans the wrong way.

LeBron James and Michael Jordan could have been together?

Some players make their name with the number on their back. LeBron and Michael Jordan are arguably the two most celebrated number 23’s in the basketball world. Now, with NBA 2K23 coming out in just a few months, they had the ultimate opportunity. 2K could have paid their respect to both the great number 23s by having them on the cover side by side. However, they decided to give the honor to just His Airness, and the LeBron fans were not happy.

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They launched an onslaught on Twitter over 2K’s decision to cast just the Jumpman as the next face of NBA 2K23. Many argue they had the perfect chance to bring two of the best together on the same cover. But fans were left disappointed and furious.

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Both LeBron James and Jordan arguably made the number 23 iconic. Jordan began his journey with the Chicago Bulls and created his own legacy behind the number. Considering the mammoth impact he had on basketball, it looked nearly impossible for another one like him to show up. However, LeBron shattered that belief into pieces. Wearing the number 23 jersey because of Jordan, the Akron Hammer has likely surpassed all expectations.

These two became the ultimate pinnacles in the basketball sphere with probably little to no competition around them. Both are big reasons why the number 23 is so popular in the sport of basketball. And NBA 2K23 could have been the perfect opportunity to showcase both their greatness. While their fanbases keep on jawing at each other, the two greats no doubt hold nothing but love and respect for each other.

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But when the opportunity to bring two of the best together presented itself, NBA 2K23 chose to side with just one. Do you think the NBA 2K23 cover should have featured both LeBron James and Michael Jordan? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani