He embraced what Michael Jordan did for the National Basketball Association and shared that he wears No. 23 because of Jordan, but “His Airness” did not inspire all of LeBron James’ swagger.
James, who was dubbed “The Chosen One” before he entered the NBA in 2003, is pursuing a fifth championship in his 22nd season in the league. The 40-year-old is the NBA’s all-time leader for points (41,965) and does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. He took a moment on Wednesday to be part of the Pat McAfee Show and discussed an assortment of topics.
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James enjoys being in the greatest of all time conversation with Jordan, yet he had to set one issue straight.
He detailed to McAfee that Jordan was not the reason why he decided to sign with Nike.
“I do wear number 23 because of Michael Jordan..
I signed with Nike because I got a hell of a signing bonus and moved my mom outta the hood the day after I signed that contract..
I also wanted to wear Nike off the court” @KingJames #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/BNyQ8Lfhpu
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2025
“No, the f*** I didn’t,” James said in response to those who say he signed to Nike because of Jordan. “I signed with Nike because I got a helluva signing bonus and they gave me a seven-year, $90 million contract. I moved my mom out the hood the next day after I signed that contract. My whole thing was, ‘what do I want to wear off the court?’ I want to wear f***ing Nikes.”
James made this happen during his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which went from 2003 to 2010.
In that span, he was a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, six-time NBA All-Star, and two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection among other accolades. James appreciates Jordan, but going with Nike was his decision.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
