President Donald Trump called LeBron James “maybe a racist” after being asked to choose between the newly announced Philadelphia 76ers star and Michael Jordan in basketball’s long-running greatest-of-all-time debate.
Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy raised the question during a White House press conference on July 24, hours after James announced that he intended to sign with Philadelphia for his record-extending 24th NBA season.
Trump selected Jordan, describing the six-time NBA champion as a friend and golfing partner. James has criticized Trump repeatedly and endorsed his Democratic opponents in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.
Trump Chose Jordan Before Turning His Answer Toward James
Trump chooses Michael Jordan over LeBron James and calls James “maybe a racist.”
— Acyn (@Acyn)
July 24, 2026
Doocy introduced his question by mentioning James’ decision to join the 76ers and asking Trump whether James or Jordan should be considered the “best ever.” “Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him.
He’s a really good guy,” Trump said, according to Reuters. Trump then added, “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,” he continued. “So I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”
James Announced His Move to Philadelphia Hours Earlier
“I thought I was done when the season ended.”
— LeBron James (@KingJames)
July 24, 2026
James revealed Friday that he would leave the Los Angeles Lakers and join the 76ers after seriously considering retirement. “I thought I was done when the season ended,” he wrote in the first of several social media posts documenting his decision.
James said he took time to determine whether he still loved basketball enough to continue enduring the preparation and physical demands required for another season. “This is my last decision,” he wrote, according to NBA.com.
“I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point?” He said he still wanted to work, compete and pursue another championship, adding, “I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team.”
James is expected to sign a two-year, $8 million contract. He joins a Philadelphia roster featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe.
James and Trump Have Clashed for Nearly a Decade
James endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024. Their public conflict escalated in 2017 after Trump withdrew the Golden State Warriors’ invitation to visit the White House.
Stephen Curry had indicated that he did not want to attend, prompting Trump to announce that the invitation had been rescinded. James responded by calling Trump a “bum” and writing that visiting the White House had been considered a great honor until Trump became president.
Trump targeted James again in 2018 after the basketball player opened the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, and appeared in an interview with Don Lemon. Trump insulted the intelligence of both men before writing that he preferred Jordan. James has accused Trump of using sports to divide Americans, while Trump has continued criticizing the NBA star during speeches, rallies and interviews.
The Exchange Revived Basketball’s Longest-Running Debate
Jordan won six championships, six Finals MVP awards and five regular-season MVP awards with the Chicago Bulls. He went undefeated across six NBA Finals appearances before retiring for the final time in 2003 following two seasons with the Washington Wizards.
James has won four championships, four Finals MVP awards and four regular-season MVP awards. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and has played more regular-season games than any other player.
The 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game during his final Lakers season. He will turn 42 on Dec. 30 while playing his unprecedented 24th NBA campaign.