‘The Chosen One’ is no small nickname for an 18-year-old. Since the time LeBron James made his debut in the NBA, he has been pitted against an all-time great; 6-time champion Michael Jordan. An enraged debate has burned for the decades that followed. Who is better – The King or His Airness? To the dismay of fans, the two legends never shared the court. When James entered, Jordan retired. It was like destiny one filling in the space left by the other.

But what if there was a time they shared the court? Did they face off? And, of course, who won?

Michael Jordan and LeBron James – the neverending debate

Basketball enthusiasts have always debated who would win in a contest between James and MJ. Both possess rare and priced skills. Both are true masters and students of the game. It is a shame the NBA never became a battlefield for such a legendary duel. However, it wasn’t like they never shared a court together. In fact, when LeBron James was a young, raw prospect, he visited the six-time champion’s basketball camp in Santa Barbara.

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While the two have never had the opportunity to face off, their legacies have been in a constant battle. Some fans even thought that Jordan’s ‘Last Dance’ documentary might have been released in response to LeBron’s growing star. Clearly, the community wants an answer but lacks the resources to reach a definitive conclusion. That’s why this training camp from 2001 is so important.

What happened in Santa Barbara? Behind the viral photo

Fans are seeking answers, to what happened at the camp. Did Jordan school 16-year-old LeBron? Or did the young King posterize MJ? Who outscored whom? Many such questions are burning in fans’ minds. Unfortunately, there is no footage from the event.  All that exists is a picture of both James and Michael Jordan in the frame looking in different directions. The hypotheticals began erupting. Fans of each of the icons began a fight that had little to no context.

This funny claim started off the conversation as a fan suggested that, like Jordan, LeBron was holding the footage for his post-retirement biopic.

“Saving it for the LeBron documentary”

Another fan of the King followed up with a shot at MJ.

“Had to protect Jordan’s legacy ts was deleted fr”

“Bron probably spanked him,” iterated James’ fanbase.

But nothing in this debate comes without corresponding retaliation.

“Didn’t want to embarrass the guy while his career was just getting started”

This Bulls fan suggests Jordan took mercy on the young Bron.

“MJ probably cooked tf outta him”

“MJ left that man crying”

While these comments suggest that no mercy was involved.

These weren’t the end of the argument. Thousands launched staunch insults at the opposing side. Yet, the reality is far different from people’s perceptions. In an interview in 2020, LeBron James revealed the true background behind the iconic picture. He mentioned how he and Jordan were actually teammates.

“We would get a good ass run in for about an hour, hour-15. I was on the team with M.J. and we didn’t lose a game,” said the four-time NBA champion.

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Was there ever any doubt in the result with two of the greatest on the same side? An Avengers-worthy duo, they demolished the competition. The people watching might not have known, but they witnessed one of the most enthralling matchups in basketball history.