Donald Trump calls LeBron James ‘maybe a racist’ in Michael Jordan debate
United States President Donald Trump has suggested LeBron James might be “a racist” when asked to compare the basketball icon to Michael Jordan during a White House news conference.
The controversial remarks arrived shortly after the 41-year-old announced he will be continuing his illustrious career with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Asked about the high-profile move, the American leader opted instead to explain why he considers Jordan to be the greatest player to ever grace the court.
‘Michael Jordan all the way’
When pressed on who holds the title of the sport’s absolute best, the president made his allegiances clear while aiming a barrage of criticism at the new Philadelphia signing.
“Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He’s a really good guy.”
“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, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”
A history of political friction
The four-time NBA champion has yet to respond to the latest comments, though he has consistently endorsed Democratic candidates running against the Republican leader.
The league’s all-time leading points scorer famously labelled the president “a bum” in 2017 during a fierce dispute regarding traditional White House invitations for championship-winning franchises.
Chasing a fifth championship
Away from the political arena, the veteran forward is fully focused on securing another career milestone following his monumental decision to head to Pennsylvania.
He joins a formidable roster that now boasts an array of established All-Star talents, including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team.”
The former Los Angeles Lakers star previously claimed four league titles during highly successful stints in Miami, Cleveland, and California.