GOAT debate turns ugly: Trump says LeBron ‘maybe a racist’ while praising golf friend Jordan

US President Donald Trump suggested NBA star LeBron James “maybe a racist” at a White House news conference after being asked to weigh in on the GOAT debate, declaring golf friend Michael Jordan the superior player following James’ announcement that he is joining the Philadelphia 76ers.

LeBron James made basketball news on Friday. Donald Trump made it personal.

Hours after James, 41, announced he would join the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year contract — describing it as the “last decision” of his NBA career — Trump was asked at a White House news conference whether James or Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player of all time.

Trump’s answer went well beyond the court. “Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump said. “I think LeBron is, maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know. I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”

As reported by Linda Ikeji’s Blog, the remarks come against the backdrop of a long-running feud between the two. James has consistently criticised Trump across both his presidential terms, endorsed Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in elections against him, and famously called Trump “a bum” in 2017 following a row over White House invitations for NBA champion teams.

Jordan, 63, won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and five MVP awards. James holds four titles across three franchises — Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers — along with four MVP awards and the NBA’s all-time records in points scored and games played.

James will be chasing a fifth championship with Philadelphia.