The debate over who the greatest basketball player of all time is has raged on for years, with fans and analysts alike weighing in on the merits of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
But when it comes to choosing an ideal teammate, former NBA star Charles Oakley surprised many by picking James over his longtime friend and former teammate, Jordan. In a recent appearance on the KG Certified Podcast, Oakley explained his reasoning, citing James’ willingness to pass the ball as a key factor in his decision.
What did Oakley say about LeBron James?
Despite usually ranking Jordan above LeBron, Oakley admitted that he would rather play with James because he would pass the ball more. He likened the comparison between the two to “Frosty Flakes, Corn Flakes”, saying that while Jordan had the sugar, James didn’t, but he personally preferred playing with James because he had the “sugar” to make great passes.
“They always say Mike would take the shot, but LeBron would pass the shot. They asked me, who would I rather play with, LeBron or Mike? I said LeBron (James), but Mike’s my best friend, but Mike ain’t passing me the ball.”
“He’d be okay if I got the shot today or tomorrow! But you know, that’s how he got to be Mike.”
“When they make the comparison, LeBron or Mike, I say ‘Frosty Flakes, Corn Flakes – Mike, LeBron. Mike got the sugar, LeBron ain’t got the sugar, but I got sugar so I like LeBron.”
Charles Oakley is friends with Michael Jordan
Oakley, who played alongside Jordan as his enforcer on the Bulls during his early years, developed a close friendship with him that lasted even after he was traded to the New York Knicks in 1988. The two later reunited during Jordan’s final season with the Washington Wizards.
While the GOAT debate continues to rage on, Oakley’s comments suggest that there may not be a definitive answer. Team sports like basketball have evolved significantly over the years, making it difficult to compare players from different eras. Nonetheless, it is clear that both Jordan and James are among the greatest players of all time, and their talent and skill would have made them dominant players in any era of basketball.
Ultimately, both players have left an indelible mark on the sport, and their legacies will continue to inspire generations of basketball players to come.
