Michael Jordan addresses GOAT debate, praises LeBron and Kobe

Michael Jordan spoke on the GOAT debate during an interview published on July 26, 2026. He praised the careers of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant but noted that comparing players across generations is impossible. Jordan emphasized that the term 'GOAT' should not diminish the contributions of past players who paved the way for future stars. He highlighted Hall of Famers like Oscar Robertson and Jerry West as examples of greats he never faced. Jordan also appreciates the talents of current players like LeBron and Kevin Durant but insists that no single player can be definitively named the greatest.

• 1:43 AMYahoo Sports — Michael Jordan finally reveals why he refuses to call LeBron or Kobe the GOAT