“I think I fell in love with the game because of Mike, just seeing what he was able to accomplish,” LeBron James once said about Michael Jordan. However, over the 22 years in the league, he has also done the same for many new-gen hoops stars. However, in the process, a feud was sparked in the NBA community regarding the goat of basketball—Michael Jordan or Lebron James. And now, former Lakers coach Mike Dunleavy Sr. has weighed in—firmly siding with Jordan and lauding one other star.

Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, Dunleavy Sr. didn’t mince words about where he stands. “Michael is Michael,” he stated. “In my mind, the best player to ever play.” He went on to highlight Jordan’s unmatched competitiveness and dedication to the craft, something he found nearly unparalleled. “Other than Michael, and then maybe Kobe, the next,” he said, referencing Bryant’s work ethic and drive as the closest to MJ.

So, why does Dunleavy Sr. hold this strong opinion? According to him, it all comes down to work ethic. “I mean, 5 a.m. in the morning, they’re up there,” he revealed. Dunleavy marveled at the sheer commitment from Jordan and Kobe, describing them as being “at the top of the list” in terms of effort and determination.

Dunleavy Sr.’s perspective comes with firsthand experience. During his first season as head coach, his Lakers faced off against Jordan’s Bulls in the 1991 NBA Finals. Though his team fought hard, they couldn’t hold off Jordan’s dominance, losing the series in five games. That loss no doubt solidified Dunleavy’s respect for what Jordan brought to the game.

Still, while everyone from fans to coaches keeps reigniting this endless debate, LeBron has always maintained a deep admiration for Jordan.

LeBron James grew up idolizing Michael Jordan

Back in 2018, LeBron James made headlines when he called himself “the greatest player of all time” in an ESPN documentary. Oddly, there was no mention of Michael Jordan. However, just a year later, during a game where LeBron surpassed Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, he got candid about his true feelings. Reflecting on his career, LeBron admitted, “For a kid from Akron, Ohio, that needed inspiration, needed some type of positive influence, MJ was that guy for me.”

But LeBron didn’t just admire Jordan from a distance—he studied him. “I wanted to shoot fadeaways like MJ, I wanted to stick out my tongue on dunks like MJ,” he shared, describing his childhood obsession. “I wanted kids to look up at me someday like MJ. It’s crazy.” Everything from sneakers to swagger, Jordan was the blueprint.

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LeBron’s first meeting with Jordan at age 15 was a surreal moment for the young athlete. Playing in Chicago that summer, LeBron compared it to a divine encounter, saying, “It was like meeting Jesus.” With “Thank you M.J. 23” scribbled on his shoes during the game, the emotion behind his gratitude couldn’t have been more evident.

Even now, LeBron credits MJ for shaping him and his friends growing up. “I’m trying to give it to you guys, but you guys have no idea what MJ did for me,” he explained. Now, he hopes to pass that inspiration on to future generations, just like his idol did for him.