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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