Few players know LeBron James better than Dwyane Wade. They’re friends, former championship teammates, and future Hall of Famers. But in a resurfaced clip that’s recently gone viral again, Wade says he’ll always be biased toward Michael Jordan because of the era he grew up in.
“LeBron Is Amazing… But Jordan Is My GOAT”
Speaking candidly, Wade said his respect for LeBron’s career is unmatched.
“If LeBron James were to become the No. 1 scorer of all time, top five in assists and top five in rebounds, and has four, five, six championships, you have to have the conversation about who’s the greatest of all time,” Wade explained at the time.
But for Wade, that conversation can’t truly happen until LeBron hangs up his jersey. “It’s hard to have the conversation when a man is still putting on his jersey. When he’s done, his statistical lineup is gonna be the greatest that has ever played the game when it comes to scoring, assists, rebounds.”
Still, Wade made his personal choice clear: “I come from a Jordan era. I am biased and I’m gonna be biased till the day I pass away. Michael Jordan will be my GOAT. I started playing the game because of Michael Jordan.”
Why Jordan Will Always Be Wade’s Pick
Growing up in Chicago, Wade says Jordan’s influence was life-changing.
“I made it out of the hood because I saw a dude, No. 23, play the game of basketball at a level where I said, ‘I just wanna do some of that.’”
That connection, he says, can’t be replicated, even by someone as great as LeBron. “LeBron will be the GOAT of this generation, just like we watched Michael Jordan. That’s why I always say ‘my GOAT.’ It’s not personal. LeBron is my guy, but Jordan is my GOAT.”
The Bottom Line
For Wade, greatness is generational. Jordan inspired his career and defined his era. LeBron, he says, has done the same for today’s fans and could finish with the most impressive statistical résumé in NBA history.
But no matter how the numbers end up, Wade’s mind is made up. His GOAT wears No. 23 in red and black.