Former Teammate Reveals LeBron James’ Reaction Upon Hearing Michael Jordan GOAT Claims

It’s not just the NBA fans who engage in endless GOAT conversations. Sometimes it’s the players too, including LeBron James, who is also one of the biggest contenders for that crown.

Recently, former NBA champion Brendan Haywood recollected when he had a GOAT conversation with LeBron a few years back. Haywood played with LeBron for one season and with Michael Jordan as well when he was at the Wizards. Haywood chose his former Wizards teammate as the GOAT. He said:

“One of the more interesting things is that I had the GOAT conversation with LeBron. We were on the plane and I told him: ‘I love you, brother, but I have to go with Mike.’ I told him my reasons… So when we had the GOAT debate, LeBron was just kind of nodding his head. He didn’t really say much. Mike Miller and James Jones said some things on his behalf. I don’t think LeBron agreed with me. But at that point, he hadn’t beaten Golden State. He didn’t have the ring he just got with the Lakers.”

LeBron James on a mission to prove himself

Haywood played with LeBron in the 2014-15 season when they lost the Finals to the Warriors. He retired after that season, closing the curtains on a 16-year career. So that conversation would have likely happened in the 2014-15 season.

Since then, LeBron led the Cavs to a historic comeback over the Warriors in 2016. It was the first time a team came back after trailing 3-1 in the NBA Finals. He also led the depleted Cavs team to two more Finals, but they ended up losing both. And now, in the 2019-20 season, LeBron won his fourth ring, as he led the Lakers to the title.

Since that conversation, LeBron has done a lot to lay his claim on the title of the GOAT. He may have been displeased that his own teammate didn’t believe in him, and in a classic Michael Jordan fashion, LeBron took it personally.

Bron is not done yet. Entering his 18th season in the league now, LeBron is going to challenge for more rings before he finally retires. Despite turning 36 this month, he is not done yet and has a lot left in his tank.

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