The debate over the greatest basketball player of all time continues, and former New Jersey Nets All-Star Jayson Williams recently shared a conversation he had with Michael Jordan on the subject.
Williams, speaking to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, recalled a golf outing with Jordan five months ago where the Chicago Bulls legend acknowledged LeBron James’ greatness.
“Different eras. I asked Michael this when we played golf about five months ago, and he said, ‘LeBron James could play in ANY era,’” Williams revealed.
Jordan’s response highlights the respect he has for James’ game, but when it came to a hypothetical one-on-one matchup, Williams had a clear answer.
“I’m taking the killer! I’m taking MJ,” Williams said. “Yeah, it’s going to be a close score. They’re two of the best that ever did it. But that boy is strong, you know? LeBron is STRONG.”
Williams acknowledged the difficulty of the debate, joking about the backlash he could face no matter which side he picked.
“If I say MJ, LeBron might get mad, and if I say LeBron, Michael and Charles Oakley are going to get mad,” he said. “I can’t win this one! I’ve been in enough trouble in my life!”
Jordan’s competitive fire was legendary, and Williams provided insight into his mindset during his playing days.
He referenced The Last Dance documentary, which showed Jordan’s approach to the 1998 All-Star Game and his interactions with a young Kobe Bryant.
“Well, you know Michael is the loudest one in the room, right?” Williams said. “He was coming in there letting us all know he wasn’t going to take the ball out because in the All-Star Game, when you take the ball out, you don’t get it back.”
Jordan’s mentality was always to dominate, and Williams described how he used mind games to fuel his performance.
“He was just saying, ‘I want the ball and I want it every time!’ He was looking to create an enemy on the court so he could go out there and do what he’s gotta do,” Williams added.
The six-time champion’s mindset played a major role in his success, and Williams reinforced his belief that Jordan remains at the top of the basketball hierarchy.
“He’s MJ, baby! He’s the best who ever did it. You agree with that, right?” Williams said.
The GOAT debate remains as intense as ever, with Jordan’s six championships and perfect NBA Finals record standing against James’ all-around dominance and longevity.
While Jordan himself has largely avoided engaging in the public debate, his comments to Williams suggest he recognizes James’ ability to excel in any era.
With James still adding to his legacy as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, the debate will likely continue long after both legends have left the game.
For now, Jordan’s words serve as a rare glimpse into how he views his place in basketball history alongside James.
