LeBron James recently recounted a momentous encounter from his youth when he met basketball legend Michael Jordan for the first time. Speaking on UNINTERRUPTED’s After Party podcast, James, then a high school sophomore, vividly recalled his disbelief upon seeing Jordan in person.
“When I met Michael Jordan for the first time, I literally couldn’t believe it was him. The dude looked like Jesus Christ to me. He was Black Jesus to me,” James reminisced, emphasizing the awe and reverence he felt towards Jordan, who was 60 at the time of the podcast episode.
James recounted the surreal experience of visiting Chicago with his friend and manager, Maverick Carter, without knowing that Jordan lifted weights before games. This detail added to James’ astonishment when he first glimpsed Jordan sitting on a bench press.
“I didn’t think it was real, man. You don’t understand. I didn’t think Michael Jordan was real. I only thought he lived in the TV. When I saw him, I was like, if the man above would have taken me that day, I would’ve lived a hell of a life, I swear to God,” James exclaimed, reflecting on the profound impact of meeting his idol.
Despite his initial disbelief, James went on to achieve his own stardom in basketball, eventually becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in February. His admiration for Jordan persisted throughout his career, and he even expressed emotional sentiment when Jordan announced his retirement in 1993, following his father’s tragic passing.
The HBO documentary series, “The Last Dance,” which delved into Jordan’s life and career, resonated deeply with James, who shared his emotional reaction on social media. “Definitely cried this day. 9 years of age,” James tweeted during the broadcast, underscoring the enduring influence Jordan had on him as both a player and a person.
Through James’ heartfelt recollection, it’s clear that meeting Michael Jordan was not just a moment of personal significance but also a testament to Jordan’s lasting impact on basketball and beyond.
