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Reading: Michael Malone Picked Michael Jordan Over LeBron James As The GOAT: “LeBron Did Not Have The Same Killer Mentality”
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Michael Malone Picked Michael Jordan Over LeBron James As The GOAT: “LeBron Did Not Have The Same Killer Mentality”

Michael Malone Picked Michael Jordan Over LeBron James As The GOAT: “LeBron Did Not Have The Same Killer Mentality”

Michael Malone said Michael Jordan was the GOAT over LeBron James because LeBron didn't have a killer mentality.

Aaditya Krishnamurthy
Jun 18, 2023
3 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

Michael Malone has stirred up a lot of controversy over the last month with his shots at LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. While Malone should be talked about for coaching the Nuggets to the NBA championship, it’s his constant chatter about LeBron James that has gotten him in the news. But it appears Malone made his choice on the GOAT a long time ago. 

During a 2020 interview, Michael Malone spoke about the debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. He noted that while he respects LeBron James, he doesn’t think James had the killer mentality that Michael Jordan had, and so, Jordan in his eyes, was the greatest of all time.

“It’s always an ongoing argument about who is the GOAT. Michael obviously is up there and is the greatest of all time.” 

“There are not many Michael Jordans out there. I coached LeBron James for five years and have a great relationship with him. LeBron did not have the same mindset or killer mentality that Michael Jordan is supposed to have had. But LeBron James is arguably the greatest of all time as well…”

“Michael Jordan was not just a great player. He would reach into your chest and pull your heart out if he had to win a game. You don’t see that really often. He had that killer mindset and brought it every single night. That’s why all of these many years later, he’s the greatest of all time.”

Malone clearly didn’t have any ill will toward LeBron James during the interview but did not think of him in the same light as he did Michael Jordan. Malone respects LeBron James but doesn’t think he is the greatest player of all time.


Michael Malone Used To Coach LeBron James

As mentioned in the interview, Malone used to be LeBron’s assistant coach when he was in Cleveland. LeBron James even spoke highly of Malone when Malone got fired by the Sacramento Kings. James clearly enjoyed his time with Malone and supported him.

However, his feelings have clearly changed. Lakers fans speculated whether their beef started during their time together in Cleveland, but considering how positively LeBron spoke of him before Malone took shots, it is unlikely. 

LeBron finally responded to Malone and other members of the Nuggets organization recently, and it is clear that he didn’t appreciate the comments. James will be extra motivated going into the new season, especially when he plays against the Nuggets.

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TAGGED:LeBron JamesMichael JordanMichael Malone
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ByAaditya Krishnamurthy
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Aaditya Krishnamurthy is a writer for Fadeaway World covering the latest news and exciting stories from the fascinating world of the NBA. After briefly working as a freelance writer in the sports and business sector, Aaditya began writing for Fadeaway World in 2021 about the day-to-day functioning of the NBA.After graduating from Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts in 2020, he worked as a freelance writer for years before beginning his MA in Communications at Penn State University. Currently, he is in the United States, and traveling to his home country of India. Aside from the NBA, Aaditya is a big sports fan, with soccer, football, Formula 1, and MMA being some of his favorites to watch.
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