LeBron James shares a surprising opinion on the Michael Jordan GOAT debate just before his first game with the 76ers.
When he was young, LeBron James really looked up to Michael Jordan. But before his first game with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, the 41-year-old shared, “I never thought I could be Michael Jordan,” and said that two other NBA stars influenced him more.
Tonight’s game might be one of the last season openers in LeBron’s amazing career, now playing for his fourth NBA team, the 76ers.
LeBron has won four NBA Championships, which is close to Jordan’s six titles that included two sets of three in a row. But ahead of his debut with the 76ers, LeBron opened up about who shaped his game the most—it wasn’t Jordan.
On his podcast, Mind The Game, which he co-hosts with NBA legend Steve Nash, LeBron talked about his early basketball heroes and what he thinks of Jordan.
“When I first started playing basketball, even though I loved Michael Jordan, I never thought I could be Michael Jordan,” LeBron said.
Steve Nash shared that he tried to play like Isiah Thomas, a small but famous point guard. Then LeBron spoke about his own influences and how Jordan’s game affected him.
“I felt more connected to Penny Hardaway. Penny and Grant Hill really helped shape the way I play because I watched them, and my youth coaches taught me to play like they did,” LeBron explained.
“Jordan inspired me to play basketball, but Penny and Grant Hill really helped shape my style,” he added.
Both LeBron and Jordan are seen as two of the greatest players ever. Many think LeBron’s move to Philadelphia is a final push to match Jordan’s six Championships.
Jordan’s legend has only grown over time, which was clear when Nash joked, “Have you ever seen a bad picture of MJ?” This made LeBron laugh. “He just looks cool in every photo and video… he inspired all of us.”
Nash added, “I can see why Penny and Grant’s playing styles connected with your mind and game. I’m glad people still remember them. They were amazing, and their careers could have been even bigger if not for injuries.”
Grant Hill had a serious ankle injury in 2000, along with health issues in 2003, retiring as a seven-time All-Star in 2013. Penny Hardaway had six knee surgeries after an injury in the 1996 playoffs, which also impacted his career a lot.
Many NBA fans see LeBron’s switch from the Lakers to the 76ers as a last big effort to win more Championships. LeBron himself said at a 76ers press event, “I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round.”
With the 76ers, LeBron plays on a team that can be the NBA’s strongest offensive group. But his teammate Joel Embiid, a former MVP, is known for getting hurt often.
If LeBron’s new team can stay healthy through the playoffs, there’s a good chance he could win his fifth Championship ring.
No matter what happens, LeBron, who made NBA history right after joining the 76ers, will always be seen by millions as one of basketball’s greatest players ever.