The NBA is full of stories that make history. From LeBron James and Stephen Curry’s iconic debuts to unforgettable legacies, the league never stops delivering. But take a trip down memory lane, and one name towers above the rest—Michael Jordan. No need to spark a GOAT debate, but MJ’s sudden retirement and dramatic comeback have always intrigued fans.

Now, thanks to ESPN’s outspoken Stephen A. Smith, who is a close friend of Jordan, might finally solve the mystery. While ranting about LeBron James’ transfer buzz, SAS casually dropped the real reason behind His Airness’ return.

Amidst LeBron James’ criticism, SAS exposed Michael Jordan’s 2001 comeback

Michael Jordan wanted to try out a baseball career when he first took a sabbatical from the NBA in 1993. The 3rd overall draft pick of 1984, soon came back to the Chicago Bulls in 1995 and gave them three more Larry O’Brien. But then in 1998, he retired from the team, giving himself a “this is it” moment. However, just like the NBA, Michael Jordan was full of surprises and he returned to the league in 2001. Not in the usual red jersey of the Bulls, but as one of the faces of the Washington Wizards. But, why did he return?

Speaking on The Stephen A. Smith Show, SAS shared: “The only reason why he went to Washington, the nation’s capital was because he was trying to become an owner. The owner at the time Abe Pollin insisted that he be a participant on the basketball court.” Isn’t this interesting to know that Michael Jordan went to the Wizards in the hope of owning the team but ended up owning the court for the team? Talk about a turn of events!

SAS continued:  “See Washington was smarter. They said, ‘Michael Jordan get your a** on the court,’ and that’s what he did. But be very very very very clear, Michael Jordan wasn’t all over the place. Michael Jordan played and starred on one team in his Hall of Fame career.” Well, Michael Jordan was the heart, soul, and mind of the Chicago Bulls since his debut in 1984. He won 6 championships, got 6x Finals MVP, and became a 5x MVP during his time in Chicago. It was only in the final stint of his career that the legend found himself in a different jersey.

Unlike LeBron James, Stephen A. Smith opined. The veteran analyst’s distaste for Bron isn’t a secret, he’s never been a fan of the 39-year-old icon. However, he just cannot wrap his head around the sudden trade rumors that have James and the Golden State Warriors on the same page. Besides, Smith is finding it difficult to understand which team’s Hall of Famer is LeBron going to be. He’s not been stable like Michael Jordan, Dwayne Wade, or Stephen Curry!

Therefore, the criticism continues.

LeBron James continues to feel the heat from Stephen A. Smith’s bitter opinions

Stephen A. Smith isn’t a fan of LeBron James’ Warriors trade rumors. Just a while back when the words began to swirl around, SAS strongly opposed the idea and declared: “I don’t wanna see it because LeBron James does not deserve it. Perk you heard me, LeBron James does deserve to be with Steph Curry.” Taking his stance further, SAS now has a crucial question, which team’s HOFer will LeBron become in the upcoming years?

“LeBron has been in Cleveland, Miami, back to Cleveland then to LA, okay. Won the championship D-Wade, Bosh, Pat Riley, and Ray Allen. Won the title again, the same crew of dudes then after that went back to Cleveland. You got Kyrie and Kevin Love and then you go to LA and you get AD,” Smith commented. James Sr. has gone back and forth between Cleveland and Miami in his initial years, he won his championships with both teams and then found his glory with the Lakers. But, there isn’t ONE team for him like Wade, Jordan, or Pat Riley. For instance, Dwayne Wade got his statue at the Miami Heat’s arena, where will LeBron’s statue be?

Besides, “LeBron James has some finished products just thought I’d throw that out there, in case y’all didn’t know.” Stephen A. Smith added: “So yeah it would be great for basketball to see him with Stephen Curry. It would be very entertaining. And Draymond Green let’s not forget that, because even with LeBron and Steph you ain’t winning without Draymond Green.” So, it looks like SAS is trying to accept the rumors and make peace with them. However, his skepticism and criticism on the same are loud and clear.

And with that not only is Michael Jordan’s comeback secret out, Stephen A. Smith gave his harsh opinions on LeBron James. Well, by now all NBA fans are accustomed to SAS’s roughness towards Bron. At the same time, you cannot deny or ignore the pressing questions the veteran continues to ask. Do you think so?