LeBron James on MJ debate: 'Our games are totally different' - ESPN

As LeBron James approaches the end of his NBA career, he has limited time to bolster his case as basketball's GOAT, above Michael Jordan.

While that debate might never be settled, James, in a wide-ranging series of interviews with ESPN conducted during the season, acknowledges the influence Jordan had on him.

«I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23,» James told ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

The 6-foot-9, 250-pound James pointed out the inherent differences between him and Jordan, who was listed at 6-6 and 200 pounds in his playing days.

«I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different,» James said. «I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life. I have always looked for the pass. MJ kind of looked for the shot. Not kind of, he did. He looked for the shot.

»There are a lot of things where I would say my game is a lot different and a little better than his, but s---, he was f---ing great. We're both great. We're both great basketball players."

There are aspects of Jordan's game that James openly admires.

«There are a lot of things that MJ did better than I do,» James said, «and I think there are some things that I do better than him. That's just how the game goes. There's a lot of things that I can say in particular. You already know how this conversation is going to be [misinterpreted] by people, man.

»I think I am 1-of-1. I think the way I play the game, I am a 1-of-1 player. And MJ, as well. A f---ing unbelievable basketball player. I think his midrange jump shot was unbelievable. He did so many things great. I grew up f---ing analyzing everything that he did, how he could get to his spot and rise up above everybody. Obviously, his post game was elite. His will to win. I