Charles Barkley says he avoids LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan debate: ‘Weak journalism’

When the topic of the greatest basketball player of all time is mentioned, NBA icons LeBron James and Michael Jordan are likely two of the first names that pop into folks’ minds.

Jordan scored the ball with such ease, as he totaled 10 scoring titles during his NBA career. James, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for his ability to impact the game in a number of ways, whether it’s as a scorer, passer or rebounder.

James and Jordan are also two of the greatest winners in the history of the NBA. Jordan won six titles and never lost an NBA Finals series, and James has four championships and has been to an unbelievable 10 NBA Finals.

People have made a habit of debating whether James or Jordan is the better basketball player, but NBA legend Charles Barkley claims he avoids the topic.

“I don’t get into the debate between Michael and LeBron ’cause I think it’s weak journalism when guys on television, radio tryna get fools to call in to argue,” Barkley began. “They’re both great, great, great, great, great. Michael Jordan is the best basketball player I ever played against. These young kids, they played against LeBron.”

Barkley admitted that he was “caught off guard” upon learning recently that James still trails Jordan in 30-point games (regular season only).

“As great as LeBron is, he’s still behind Michael Jordan in 30-point games, and he’s played seven more seasons,” he said. “That is astonishing. Even if you think LeBron’s the G.O.A.T., you wouldn’t have known that.”

Some players from this era of the NBA do believe that James is the G.O.A.T. ahead of Jordan. As evidence, one can simply look at some comments that Terrence Ross — who played 11 seasons in the NBA with teams like the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns — made.

Back in September, he emphatically chose James over Jordan and said, “I don’t know how you can put Jordan over him.” Ross last played in the league in the 2022-23 season.

James’ longevity is a big part of his case as the greatest player in the history of the sport. He is one of just two players in NBA history — along with Vince Carter — to play 22 seasons in the league. For comparison, Jordan played 15 NBA seasons, as he took multiple hiatuses from playing during his career.

Barkley never played against James, but he seems to think incredibly highly of both James and Jordan. The forward retired a few years before James was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, as Barkley’s last NBA action came in the 1999-00 season.