Michael Jordan once told ESPN to 'ease up' on LeBron James, Wilbon reveals

Key facts

• Michael Wilbon said Jordan told ESPN to 'ease up' on LeBron James after James lost to the Celtics in the 2010 playoffs.
• Jordan listed specific attributes he admired about James.
• James wore No. 23 in homage to Jordan, saying he hoped he made Jordan proud.
• The Jordan vs. James debate fueled the careers of Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith, Nick Wright, Colin Cowherd, and Shannon Sharpe.
• Jason Kidd ranked Jordan first, LeBron James second, and Kobe Bryant third in his all-time top five.
• Kidd said Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokić would eventually join the top five.
• Curry is 19th all-time in scoring (26,528 points) and holds the record for most 3-pointers (4,248).

The untold story of Jordan's private support for James

Michael Wilbon, the veteran sports journalist with deep ties to both Michael Jordan and LeBron James, has revealed that the public perception of a bitter rivalry between the two icons is fundamentally wrong. Appearing on ESPN's 'First Take' on Wednesday, Wilbon recounted how Jordan personally intervened to defend James during a difficult period in the young star's career. after James and the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2010 playoffs, Jordan called ESPN and urged the network to 'take it easy on this kid.' Wilbon said Jordan had a list of things he genuinely admired about James, contradicting the narrative of resentment often portrayed in the media.

A rivalry manufactured by sports media

The Jordan-versus-James debate became the defining narrative of the 'hot take' era in sports television, elevating personalities such as Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith, Nick Wright, Colin Cowherd, and Shannon Sharpe. For most of James's prime, talk shows framed the two against each other, turning a symbolic comparison into a lucrative industry. Yet Wilbon insists the rivalry was largely a construct. 'If people think Jordan has somehow resented LeBron, they're wrong,' he said. The debate, while engaging for fans on social media, had no basis in any real animosity between the two players.

James's homage and Jordan's quiet admiration

LeBron James has long acknowledged Jordan as his childhood idol, a sentiment he reiterated in a recent ESPN profile. 'I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23,' James told ESPN's Dave McMenamin, referring to the jersey number he chose in tribute to Jordan. Jordan's private defense of James suggests a mutual respect that the public rarely saw. Wilbon's account provides a rare glimpse into Jordan's character, showing a willingness to protect a younger player from undue criticism, even as the media pitted them against each other.

The all-time rankings debate continues

The discussion of greatness extends beyond Jordan and James. Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd, speaking on 'The Dan Patrick Show,' offered his own top-five list: Michael Jordan first, LeBron James second, Kobe Bryant third, followed by Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokić. Kidd said Curry and Jokić would both finish in the top five when their careers end. Kidd also mentioned Kevin Durant as a potential top-10 player, while noting that Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal already belong in that tier. When Patrick joked that Kidd would end up with 14 players in his top 10, Kidd replied, 'That's OK, we'll just sub them in and out.'

Curry's transformative impact and statistical legacy

Stephen Curry, now 38, has redefined the point guard position and the entire NBA with his three-point shooting. He holds the league record for most three-pointers made (4,248) and ranks 19th all-time in scoring with 26,528 points. He is one of only seven players to surpass 20,000 points and 6,500 assists in a career. Curry has one year remaining on his current contract and has expressed a desire to play for several more seasons, suggesting his statistical legacy will continue to grow. Kidd, who ranks third in NBA history in assists, described Curry as having taken the point guard role 'to a completely different level.'

Jordan's life beyond basketball: NASCAR and quieter pursuits

Michael Jordan has found new success as a team owner in NASCAR. His team, 23XI Racing, won for the second consecutive Sunday to open the season, with driver Tyler Reddick holding off Shane van Gisbergen over the final 20 laps. The victories mark a strong start for the team co-owned by Jordan. Off the track, Jordan has spoken about seeking a 'quieter life' after the 'burden' of fame. He retired from the NBA in 2003, and his post-basketball life includes a $10 million wedding to wife Yvette, a $12 million mansion, and a growing family with five children. His net worth, bolstered by endorsements and business ventures, makes him one of the richest NBA players of all time.

The enduring legacy of a fabricated rivalry

The Jordan-James debate, though manufactured, has left an indelible mark on sports culture. It generated countless hours of television, social media arguments, and even helped launch careers. Yet Wilbon's revelation underscores a deeper truth: the two legends share a bond of mutual respect that the public rarely saw. As James's career winds down, the conversation about who is the greatest may never be settled. But the narrative of animosity, it seems, was always a fiction. The real story is one of admiration, support, and a shared understanding of the burdens of greatness.

The bottom line

• Michael Jordan privately defended LeBron James early in James's career, contradicting the media's narrative of rivalry.
• The Jordan vs. James debate was largely a media construction that boosted the careers of several sports commentators.
• LeBron James wore No. 23 in tribute to Jordan and expressed hope that he made Jordan proud.
• Jason Kidd ranks Jordan first, James second, and Bryant third in his all-time top five, with Curry and Jokić to join.
• Stephen Curry holds the NBA record for three-pointers and ranks 19th in all-time scoring.
• Michael Jordan's NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, won its second straight race to open the season.