Trump calls LeBron James possibly a racist at the White House and draws the GOAT comparison to Michael Jordan

His verdict on Michael Jordan was milder. "Michael Jordan is a friend of mine. He's a really nice guy," Trump said, also pointing to Jordan's six championships with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s. The phrase "Count the rings" – "count the championship rings" – has been a popular argument among Jordan supporters against James on social media for years.

Background: Jordan's six rings

The remarks come at a time when James himself is making headlines. On Friday, the 41-year-old surprisingly announced that he will play his 24th NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers. It is a two-year contract reportedly worth eight million dollars, the league's so-called minimum salary. "I'm not going for the money. I'm not going for my family. I still want to suit up, win, and have the chance to experience the feeling of victory," James wrote on social media.

Move to Philadelphia

In a statement, the exceptional athlete explained the step in more detail. "I am convinced that I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am incredibly excited to inspire a new fan base and begin this incredible journey one last time," James said. "I still want to make sacrifices," he added.

The reaction in the basketball world was swift. "I think I just saw the greatest basketball player of all time," said 63-year-old NBA expert Zach Lowe on "The Bill Simmons Podcast," asking: "Is this the best starting five in the NBA on paper?" Even if James at 41 is still one of the league's top 20 players, observers estimate that he alone can no longer make a team a title contender, as he could in his early 30s.

Expectations for the new team are high. "They at least have to make it to the Finals," demanded NBA legend Charles Barkley, who himself played in Philadelphia and against Michael Jordan. Barkley also weighed in on the GOAT question, citing titles and a player's age. James accordingly still has time to improve his standing in the eternal rankings, but he has to deliver.

Reactions from the NBA

The fact that Trump is going after James so sharply has a history. As early as 2017, James had called Trump a "bum" in a dispute over the then-NBA champion Golden State Warriors' cancelled visit to the White House. Trump countered in 2018 on Twitter, now X: "LeBron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon. He made LeBron look smart, which isn't easy to do." Since then, there has been open mutual animosity between the two, also because of James's support for Democratic candidates.

Background of the feud

The fact that tensions never fully subsided is also reflected in Trump's new move. With the remark that James is "maybe a racist," the word hits particularly hard – in a debate that was supposed to be about sporting greatness. White House spokespeople did not initially comment on whether Trump would elaborate on or walk back his statement.

Meanwhile, commentators point out that James still has opportunities to climb further in the GOAT discussion. "If he wins two championships in a row and retires at 44 or 45, I will say something I have never said before," one expert prophesied. Until then, however, the Michael Jordan versus LeBron James comparison remains primarily a stage for political jabs.

It is notable that Trump seized the opportunity to needle James – even as he simultaneously called Jordan a "friend." The remark "I only like people who like me" provides a hint of how Trump carries personal animosities into public appearances. Multiple reporters were present in the White House at the time of the statement.

The debate over the greatest basketball player of all time is as old as the sport itself. Jordan supporters point to his six championships and his dominance in the 1990s, while James supporters highlight his versatility, longevity, and all-around class. The fact that a sitting US president is now intervening in this discussion with personal jabs is generating additional attention.

Philadelphia is under pressure. With the signing of James, a three-time champion, the 76ers are hoping for the long-awaited title. Coaches, management, and fans know that time remains – but not forever. "I'm not going for the money," James himself emphasized. It's about winning.

GOAT debate: Jordan or James?

What remains is further evidence that the paths of sports and politics in the US have become inseparable. Trump's comments come in a climate where every statement by a public figure is charged politically. James himself has not yet directly addressed Trump's racism accusation.

In any case, the upcoming NBA season is expected with particular anticipation – not only for sporting reasons, but also as a stage for the ongoing exchange of blows between Trump and James. The Philadelphia 76ers thereby take on a dual role: as title contenders and as the unwilling projection screen for a political spat.

The next escalation could come quickly. Should James indeed advance deep into the playoffs with Philadelphia, the GOAT debate is likely to be reignited – along with Trump's willingness to weigh in. Until then, what remains is a remarkable mix of sporting greatness, personal animosity, and political staging.