One of NBA’s biggest debates might have just ended.
Michael Jordan, via his close friend and former New Jersey Nets star Jayson Williams has allegedly chimed in on whether current NBA stars like LeBron James could play in the previous era of basketball.
Jordan and James have been the subject of ferocious debates for the best part of two decades, with fans split over who the greatest of all-time is.
Those who saw MJ in his prime swear His Airness is the unequivocal GOAT, while a new generation of fan struggle to imagine anyone superseding The King.
Another part of the debate has been whether James could play in the era of basketball Jordan did.
The 1980s and 1990s era of basketball, which the Chicago Bulls legend dominated, winning six NBA championships, was more physical with a greater emphasis on defence that saw teams score way less points compared to now.
Such differences has led to some fans suggesting James would struggle in previous eras.
However, that conversation is seemingly over after Air Jordan’s own thoughts on the debate have been revealed.
During an appearance on “Scoop B Radio” with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Williams recalled a comment Jordan told him about James on the golf course.
“Different eras,” Williams told Robinson. “I asked Michael this when we played golf about five months ago, and he said, ‘LeBron James could play in ANY era.’”
This debate was only reignited after James scoffed at the suggestion current players could not play in previous eras of basketball.
The four-time NBA champion made headlines when he appeared on The Pat McAfee Show recently and said that Giannis Antetokounmpo would score 250 points in the 1970s.
“You’re trying to tell me Giannis wouldn’t be able to play an NBA game in the ’70s?” James asked rhetorically.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo would have 250 points in a game in the ’70s — 250. That’s no disrespect, but seriously.”
Antetokounmpo responded to James’ praise, saying he was flattered but said it isn’t fair to compare different eras.
He initially joked by saying “it would probably be more like 275, not 250” before quickly laughing and giving a serious response.
“It’s totally different, so you can’t compare this era with that era,” Antetokounmpo said.
“I wish at this era that I play at now, 2025, I wish I could score 250 points today. But yeah, I don’t think it’s fair to compare. I’d probably play the same way they played if I played in the ’70s.
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“It’s a great compliment coming from one of the best players in the league. It’s definitely a great compliment. I appreciate it.”
Whether Jordan’s own opinion on the debate actually ends the discussion about eras remains to be seen.
At least fans of James can now point to Jordan’s words when defending their GOAT.
