NBA Rumors: Did LeBron James Really Slam Michael Jordan for Taking Too Much Credit for Bulls’ Championships?

By Carlo Monzon
Michael Jordan
The Golden State Warriors attempt to break the Chicago Bulls' record set by Michael Jordan and his team in 1996. Flickr/ Jason H. Smith/ CC

Earlier this week, LeBron James said that Michael Jordan gets too much credit for the NBA titles won by the Chicago Bulls during his time. According to the Cleveland Cavaliers star player, some fans tend to forget the big contributions made by Jordan's teammates.

The alleged shot at Jordan aired during James' time on the Open Run podcast. During the program, James talked about various aspects in his career, which also includes his idol, Jordan.

In the podcast, James looked back at the accomplishments of the Bulls and said that not all of those can be solely attributed to Jordan alone.

"I don't think M.J. ever had a Game 7 in the Finals," he said. "And people say well he was able to close it out early. They act like he just did it all on his own and things of that nature. They forget the shot by [John] Paxson on the left wing."

"You want to know the crazy thing? In that game, in that particular game in Phoenix, M.J. didn't even have the ball in his hands," he added. "[Scottie] Pippen brought the ball up, [Charles] Barkley went for the steal, Pippen threw it down to Horace Grant and... because Barkley went for the gamble, they rotated to Horace Grant and Horace Grant threw it to Paxson. M.J. had nothing to do with that play."

Since the podcast aired, various media outlets reported that the James targeted Jordan through his statements. But, as noted by CBS Sports, they were clearly not shot against the NBA legend.

Instead, James was merely pointing out the reality that the success of the Chicago organization did not rest solely on Jordan. Despite his skills, the Bulls would probably not be a multi-title holder if Jordan was not surrounded by reliable teammates.

Also, it's important to take note that James looks up to Jordan. Although a lot of people have been saying that he has already surpassed his idol, James had repeatedly said his motivation is still Jordan.

"My career is totally different than Michael Jordan's," he told Sports Illustrated. "What I've gone through is totally different than what he went through. What he did was unbelievable, and I watched it unfold."

"I looked up to him so much," he added. "I think it's cool to put myself in position to be one of those greatest players, but if I can ever put myself in position to be the greatest player, that would be something extraordinary."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo