Massive Perspective! Michael Jordan once called ESPN reporter Wilbon, asking him to stop criticizing LeBron James.

On August 18, Beijing time, HoopsWire reported that Michael Jordan had called ESPN reporter Wilbon, conveying a straightforward message: stop criticizing LeBron James.

Jordan and Wilbon are close friends, and he does not agree with this veteran analyst’s perspective on James—who is among the most examined players in the history of the league.

This exchange serves as a reminder that the endless debate over whether Jordan or James is the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) has permeated every corner of basketball discourse.

By most standards, Jordan's resume remains unmatched. During his Hall of Fame career (with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards), he averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.

He won 5 regular-season MVPs, 6 championships, 6 Finals MVPs, 1 Defensive Player of the Year award, 3 steals titles, and 10 scoring titles. He also set the NBA record for most points in a single playoff game with 63, and he still holds the record for the highest career scoring average.

However, LeBron's accomplishments continue to accumulate. During his time with the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers, he has averaged 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game throughout his career. He has 4 regular-season MVPs, 4 championships, and 4 Finals MVPs.

He is also the all-time leading scorer in the league and the only player to achieve 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists. Recently, he became the first player in history to surpass 40,000 points.

Jordan was selected to 14 All-Star games, 11 All-NBA teams, and 9 All-Defensive teams. LeBron has made 20 All-Star appearances, been named to 20 All-NBA teams, and has 6 All-Defensive selections. He is also the only player to win Finals MVP with three different teams.

Jordan has consistently stated that he will not engage in cross-era comparisons. In 2020, he summarized his views on LeBron:

“We are in different eras,” Jordan said at the time, “He is an incredible player, one of the best in the world. I’m a fan of his and enjoy watching him play. Comparisons are just a measuring stick, but there’s no doubt he is an extremely talented basketball player.”

This debate is unlikely to settle down, especially with LeBron still active in the NBA and Jordan still viewed as the benchmark for greatness. However, even behind the scenes, Jordan is unreserved in defending today’s stars.