“Black Jesus in the Flesh”: LeBron James’ Crazy Fanboy Moment When He Met Michael Jordan for the First Time

Michael Jordan is the greatest NBA player ever. His accomplishments elevate his status at the GOAT. He has set a benchmark that nobody has come close to achieving. However, in recent years, one player is being closely compared to ‘His Airness’ himself.

LeBron James is a man who is not new to the world of basketball. He is the greatest all-round player in the NBA. His powering dunks and smooth passes entice a viewer to fall in love with the game. The comparison between James and MJ have been happening for quite a few years now. 

Although James will never beat the Jumpman’s 100% Finals record, his individual skills come close to the legend himself. It must be tremendous pressure for James, knowing people will weigh in on the comparison around every game he plays. 

The two champions have met often and discussed a lot about the game. However, a first meeting between two greats would have always been memorable. In a recent Instagram video chat, James’ long-time friend Maverick Carter dug out the first encounter between LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

When Michael Jordan met a 16-year-old LeBron James

Carter joined ‘UNINTERRUPTED’ on Instagram, along with Chris Paul and Paul Rivera. He was asked about the first meeting between James and MJ, a story that has made rounds several times before. He still described the event, which is still fresh in his memory.

James and Carter would often visit a place called ‘Hoops the Gym,’ in Chicago, owned by Tim Grover, Jordan’s trainer. LeBron James was only 16 years old when he visited the gym. He instantly started training and proved his worth with the ball. The four-time MVP, in his tender age, played against the likes of Paul Pierce, Jerry Stackhouse, and many others.

Carter remembers how they witnessed something holy as they were about to exit the gym one day. “Just as we were about to go out the door, a red convertible Ferrari pulls out on the street.” It was Jordan himself. Carter even described how Michael Jordan was wearing his famous bucket hat flipped up in the front. 

Jordan walked in, which made Carter and James follow their way back into the gym. They could not resist talking with the GOAT. A 16-year-old LeBron was meeting his idol for the first time. The duo spent time with Jordan and interacted with him for 45 minutes. Bron even picked his jersey number, inspired by Jordan’s ’23.’

 “When he got out of this car, it looked like he was just floating. It was literally black Jesus in the flesh,” Carter said. LeBron James even shared Carter’s story on his Instagram account, rekindling the memorable moment.