LeBron James opens up about Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant: “I want a Kobe-type relationship with MJ”

Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history—if not the greatest—as evidenced by his illustrious résumé, which includes being the league’s all-time leading scorer.

James is known for his close friendships with several peers and NBA legends. The 40-year-old opened up about his relationships with NBA icons Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

The four-time NBA champion revealed that while he shares a respectful relationship with Jordan, he hopes to have a “Kobe Bryant-type relationship” with the Chicago Bulls legend once he retires. He explained that he avoids talking to Jordan while still playing because of his own competitive nature.

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“We all know Michael Jordan. Even if you don’t know him personally, he is one of the most ruthless competitors there is. And until I’m done and he doesn’t have to look at me running up and down wearing the No. 23—and every time my name is mentioned, it’s mentioned with his,” James stated.

Although James never shared the court with Jordan, he did with Kobe. He said their relationship grew even stronger after James joined the Lakers following Bryant’s retirement.

“He welcomed me. He called me like, ‘Bro, anything you need in Los Angeles, I got you. You’re a Laker now. You’re family.’ And we would have multiple conversations. Obviously, you guys saw him coming to a lot of games. And when I passed him for the scoring record in Philly, he had a tweet out there like, ‘Keep on going. Keep transcending the game.’ And that sh** meant so much to me,” he added.

While James is mentioned alongside Jordan and Bryant as one of the all-time greats, he still trails them in championships. Jordan won six NBA titles—including two three-peats—while Bryant secured five before

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