Karl Malone and Michael Jordan faced each other from time to time during their respective primes. The two superstars gave NBA fans some of the most amazing moments, be it the regular season or the playoffs.
The two superstars also went toe-to-toe in the 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals. While both the series were amazing, it was MJ and the Bulls that tasted success both times. So it goes without saying that ‘The Mailman’ is not fond of ‘His Airness.’
He has inevitably made that clear over the years. Malone even revealed that if he were to build his own team, he would prefer Scottie Pippen ahead of Michael Jordan for his team. Usually, if any player is asked about building their own team, Jordan is automatically the first pick for most, but that’s not the case for Malone.
On a similar note, the Utah Jazz legend was once asked to pick between LeBron James and Michael Jordan as a teammate. Malone, almost instantly, said the name of James. Later, he also provided proper reasoning for it:
(starts at 3:45)
“LeBron James. Because he plays like me. And I’ll tell you what. We don’t start playing until we get hit. So imma say, LeBron James. Let the debate begin, and I don’t give a rat’s a** if they do. I’m just telling you who I would like. That’s all.”
As Malone mentioned, he was asked a question, and he gave an answer according to what suits him the best. Moreover, James is a great playmaker and it will suit Malone’s game perfectly.
After all, that’s one of the biggest reasons he was so successful, with John Stockton at his side. Unfortunately, the duo could never win an NBA Championship. If Malone and James played in the same era and for the same teams, The Mailman would most probably have a couple of rings too, that’s the impact of LeBron James.
