LeBron revisits the GOAT debate from a new angle at Fanatics Fest NYC

In another headline-grabbing moment from Fanatics Fest NYC 2025, LeBron James added fuel to the never-ending Michael Jordan comparison. But this time, in a way fans didn’t expect.

During a live taping of his podcast Mind the Game with co-host Steve Nash, the Lakers star fielded questions from a packed crowd. When asked which NBA legend he’d most like to share the court with, LeBron didn’t hesitate: “Michael Jordan.”

A duo for the ages?

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While LeBron has long made clear how much Jordan influenced his career, even down to choosing jersey No. 23, this was the first time he publicly imagined them as teammates.

“When it comes to role models to look up to, for me, no one has had the importance of Jordan,” LeBron told the crowd. “I think our styles of play would have complemented each other well, because he was a scorer first. He had that kind of mentality.”

The comment drew big reactions, especially considering the GOAT debate continues to dominate headlines, even more so after Tom Brady’s viral praise of LeBron at the same event, where the NFL icon called James “the greatest ever.”

A playful jab at social media critics

LeBron, ever aware of how his words trend online, followed up with a bit of self-aware humor.

“I would pick him if I could, but I can’t, because I know how it works on social media. Everyone would say, ‘Ah, you want to play with Michael Jordan too? You’ve already played with everyone else!’”

With a grin, he added: “I’m just answering the question. I didn’t ask myself that question.”

Fanatics Fest strikes again

The exchange comes on the heels of several headline-making moments for LeBron at Fanatics Fest, including being heckled in the streets of NYC and Tom Brady’s bold GOAT endorsement. The event, already known for merging sports and culture, has once again proven to be a hotbed for memorable NBA narratives.

Whether or not fans believe MJ and LeBron would have clicked on the court, James’ comments offered a rare glimpse into how he views basketball greatness. Not as a competition, but as a partnership of excellence.