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USA Today via Reuters
May 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game three of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
May 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game three of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
One of the long-standing debates in the NBA world is for the GOAT status between LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Pundits and fans often equip themselves with stats and their analogies to defend their icons. But the debate gets to a different level when a player who had played with both great, opens up.
Jordan shocked the NBA world when he retired from the game after his second three-peat in 1998. When the hoops fans considered it to be the end of MJ era, he surprised everyone in 2001. He came out of the retirement for the second time and donned the Washington Wizards jersey. However, His Airness couldn’t match The Chosen One, as he hung his boots for one last time. Years later, one NBA star who witnessed the two greats in action joins an old debate.
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Who’s GOAT: LeBron James or Michael Jordan?
The four players who played alongside these legends are Scott Williams, Larry Hughes, Jerry Stackhouse and Brendan Haywood. Out of them, Haywood recently addressed the elephant in the room. He gave a clear cut differences in both legends from his experience.
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USA Today via Reuters
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA All Star Game-Team Durant at Team LeBron, Feb 20, 2022 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Lebron James and Michael Jordan on court during halftime during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Appearing on the Gil’s Arena podcast, Haywood flexed his privilege of playing alongside MJ and King James. Moreover, he went on to describe the contrasting personalities of the legends. He said, “They go about their business totally different ways but they got the same common goal they want to win.”
While talking about James, Haywood said, “LeBron is going to be a little bit more passive aggressive and see if things are going to work itself out.”
He also added that the Los Angeles Lakers superstar would be more politically correct addressing his teammates.
Furthermore, Haywood went to discuss the contrasting side of the Chicago Bulls legend.
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Haywood describes Michael Jordan’s personality as a teammate
Jordan as per Haywood had a contrasting personality compared to Bron. “MJ gonna be in your face,” he said. “More direct decisive right at you.”
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via Reuters
FILE PHOTO: Basketball – NBA – Charlotte Hornets v Milwaukee Bucks – AccorHotels Arena, Paris, France – January 24, 2020 Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan during a pre match press conference REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Brendan Haywood further added that Air Jordan would call out the player in front of everyone if the player isn’t playing well. Whereas in James’ case, he would move the issue through the management.
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Watch This Story: “Just days after Charles Barkley’s demand, Michael Jordan gets asked for another public apology by his harshest rival”
In the decade-old ‘unfinished’ GOAT debate, Haywood gave an unique perspective with his rare experience.
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