LeBron James’ decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers spread like wildfire, with it even being brought up in the White House. A reporter used that blockbuster announcement to get President Trump’s take on the “best ever” between James and Michael Jordan. The reply wasn’t really surprising to those who have followed the President’s thoughts on the same over the years.

“Well, Michael Jordan’s a guy that’s a friend of mine. Play golf with him, he’s a really good guy,” said Trump, before proceeding to share his views on James.

“Maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know. I don’t know, but I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”

Over the years, James has been vocal about his endorsement of Democratic presidential candidates, including Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020, and Kamala Harris in 2024. That political outspokenness has often put him on a collision course with Trump, and this isn’t the first time the two have gone back and forth, with the first instance coming in 2017.

Get the Essentially Dunk Newsletter. League-wide coverage every day on the All-Stars, MVPs, iconic legends, and the drama defining the NBA.

The NBA superstar, who was with the Cavs at the time, tweeted, “Hate has always existed in America. Yes we know that but Donald Trump just made it fashionable again! Statues has nothing to do with us now!”

A month later, he infamously called Trump a “bum” after he disinvited the Warriors from the White House after Stephen Curry had already declined it. It’s been a long-standing tradition where NBA teams visit the White House, but no team has made the visit during Trump’s tenure.

At the time, Trump did not respond, but he did so nearly a year later when James criticised him in an August 2018 CNN interview with Don Lemon (discussing race, sports unity, and his I Promise School). That was when he put Jordan over James.

“Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, [CNN anchor] Don Lemon,” Trump tweeted. “He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do. I like Mike!”

Two years later, OutKick host Clay Travis raised the question of who is better as a basketball player. Trump initially replied that he’s seen them both, but his reasoning seemed to indicate he was considering parameters beyond basketball.

“Michael Jordan. I’ve seen them both Michael Jordan is. Plus, he wasn’t political, so people like him better,” responded Trump.

While the POTUS claimed to enjoy the company of Michael Jordan, who remains apolitical, there are multiple reasons, instances, and back-and-forths between James and Trump, which clearly outline the 22x All-Star not liking Trump.

While Trump has backed Jordan, ‘His Airness’ has publicly come out and supported his fellow NBA player.

MJ’s support for LeBron James

There is no secret that the James vs Jordan debate continues to divide opinions, but there is no hate between the two. It was visible after the 2018 incident involving Trump and Bron after the CNN interview. After the POTUS’s comment, the 6x NBA champion issued a statement.

“I support LJ. He’s doing an amazing job for his community,” referring to James’ I Promise School for at-risk children in Akron.

Over the years, Michael Jordan has historically avoided overt political endorsements or statements. He found himself in trouble for famously quipping, “Republicans buy sneakers too,” in 1990 when asked about supporting a Democratic Senate candidate. But the NBA icon later clarified it was in jest.

In fact, Jordan’s representatives have repeatedly denied claims that he endorsed Donald Trump (or any candidate) in recent elections, including 2024. Even stating that there is “absolutely no truth” to such reports, consistent with his preference for staying out of partisan politics.