"When MJ came to Cleveland, he'd always reach out" - Brian Windhorst details Michael Jordan's bond with young LeBron James

LeBron James and Michael Jordan are pitted against each other in the greatest of all-time conversations in basketball. But while Bron and MJ are considered rivals in the GOAT debate, the two, unknown to many, shared a close relationship back when LeBron was still in high school.

As ESPN's Brian Windhorst wrote in the book "LeBron Inc.", a 16-year-old Bron went to Chicago with Maverick Carter to play pick-up games with NBA stars in trainer Tim Grover's gym. One day, Grover asked LeBron to stay around after the games to meet Jordan. The two talked for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, according to Windy's account, and MJ ended up giving LeBron his number. But that was only the beginning.

"Over the next few years, when Jordan would come to Cleveland to play with the Washington Wizards, he'd check in with LeBron,"wrote Windhorst.

LeBron became ineligible

After MJ played his final NBA game with the Wizards, he invited LeBron to the 30th annual Capital Classic sponsored by the Jordan Brand at the MCI Center. Bron struggled to shoot in the game, going 13-30 from the field, including 3-10from 3-point distance.

He finished with a game-high 34 points with 12 rebounds and six assists and was named co-MVP despite playing for the losing team. That All-Star game was key in LeBron's basketball career because NCAA rules only allow high school players to participate in two All-Star games before becoming ineligible for the next collegiate season.

James had already played in the McDonald's All-American game and the EA Sports Roundball Classic, and if he played in D.C., he would sit out the 2003 NCAA season. But he could not turn down his idol.

"Michael Jordan is like a dad,"said James. "If he said something that you need to do, you should do it. Michael Jordan is the father of basketball, besides Mr Naismith."

Related: LeBron James cherishes his on-court chemistry with Austin Reaves: "At times, we're not even looking"

LeBron on his relationship with MJ

However, the ineligibility was moot and academic, as James entered the 2003 NBA Draft and was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. 23 years later, Bon has four MVP awards, four Finals MVP trophies, four NBA championship rings and is the NBA's all-time leading scorer. However,

Mike no longer checks on him, and LeBron's relationship with his childhood idol has seemingly dissipated.

"I think it's because I'm still playing," James explained on the "Pat McAfee Show" last March. And MJ, we all know MJ. 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, it's like 'I don't fu**** talk to you.'"

LBJ will be turning 41 next month, and although he still looks elite, his days in the association are numbered. Hopefully, he is right about why he and MJ haven't spoken in years, because it would be sad to see the friendship between the two greatest basketball players of all time, regardless of who you think is number one and two, end just like that.

Related: "LeBron's always been an incredibly adaptable player; Jordan was not, the late Kobe was not" - Colin Cowherd is certain LeBron James will ease his way into the Lakers system

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.