ESPN host recalls Michael Jordan calling him to defend LeBron from media criticism: "Take it easy on this kid"
The GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James was recently reignited after the Los Angeles Lakers superstar shared his thoughts on the topic . James said there's no point in comparing them, as their games are totally different. He also expressed hope that his idol was proud of him.
It seems he doesn't have to worry about that, though, as Jordan likely thinks highly of him.
According to Michael Wilbon, “His Airness” has even stepped in to shield him from media criticism . The ESPN commentator recalled another instance in which Jordan personally called him to discourage negative comments about James .
"There were tough criticisms made of LeBron James. Remember when he took the jersey off when he was walking out of Boston — that final time when they lost to the Celtics. I remember having a conversation with Michael, who said, 'Hey, take it easy. When you talk about this tomorrow, take it easy on this kid. Here's why.' Michael had a list of...things he really liked about LeBron James. He didn't have to do that!" said Wilbon on "First Take."
Similarities in their early NBA years
Wilbon was referring to the Cleveland Cavaliers ' elimination at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals. Former Celtics star Kevin Garnett has alluded to that series as the time that his crew broke James. Meanwhile, the media and critics accused the former No. 1 pick of quitting on the Cavaliers.
If anyone understood James, it was Jordan. Before the Chicago Bulls legend became a two-time 3-peater, he had to fail plenty of times in the playoffs. As Wilbon noted, the six-time champion could empathize with James and wanted to "soften that blow" for him. The TV personality also sent a reminder that, "If people think that Jordan has somehow resented LeBron, they're wrong."
Interestingly, a few months later, James’ exit from the city and his decision to team up with fellow superstars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat only intensified the backlash against him.
For James, it was simply a matter of putting himself in the best position to finally win a ring after coming short in his first seven seasons in the NBA. For his detractors, it prevented him from ever becoming in the same league as Jordan, no matter how many titles he would end up securing.
Team MJ vs. Team LBJ
Funnily enough, those who are Team Jordan in the GOAT debate have used the argument that Michael would have never teamed up with any fellow superstar just to chase a ring. The thing is, the five-time MVP has not knocked LeBron for his decision to pursue a championship his own way.
Also, Jordan probably didn't feel the need to switch sides despite the Detroit Pistons punching him out of the postseason three straight times from 1988 to 1990. With the up-and-coming Scottie Pippen as his sidekick, Phil Jackson calling the shots from the sidelines, and a bunch of solid role players, he knew that it was only a matter of time before he would get over the hump.
So, if Jordan has not gone out of his way to criticize James just to lift himself up, Wilbon believes pundits and fans shouldn't use below-the-belt arguments to build a case for whoever they are siding with in any debate.
They might ask, though, "Where's the fun in that?"
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Apr 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
