You’ve seen the grainy thumbnails on YouTube. Usually, it's a photoshopped image of a Miami Heat-era LeBron James soaring over a Chicago Bulls-era Michael Jordan. The title screams in all caps: LEBRON JAMES DUNKS ON MICHAEL JORDAN. It looks epic. It looks like the ultimate "passing of the torch" moment that every basketball fan has dreamed of since 2003.
But did it actually happen?
The short answer: No. At least, not in an NBA game.
The timelines are a total tease. Jordan played his final NBA game on April 16, 2003, with the Washington Wizards. LeBron James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers just two months later and made his debut on October 29, 2003. They missed each other by a literal blink of an eye.
Honestly, it’s one of the biggest "what-ifs" in sports history. If MJ had stayed for just one more year with the Wizards, we would have seen them on the same court in a regular-season game. Instead, we’re left with legends, rumors, and a very famous secret pickup game.
The 16-Year-Old Legend in Chicago
While they never faced off in the pros, they did share a court. The year was 2001. LeBron was a 16-year-old high school sophomore, and Jordan was preparing for his second comeback with the Wizards.
MJ invited a group of pros and top prospects to Hoops the Gym in Chicago for private runs. LeBron was there. He’s talked about this moment on several podcasts, including Uninterrupted, describing Jordan as "Black Jesus" walking toward him.
According to LeBron, he didn't even get to play for the first hour. He just sat on the sideline, watching his idol. But when he finally got on the court, he was actually on Jordan’s team.
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"I was unguardable. I was busting a**... I was nervous, but I was like, 'I'm about to go crazy,' and I did." — LeBron James
There is no footage of this game. It’s the Bigfoot of basketball videos. While LeBron claims he dominated, there are no verified reports of LeBron James dunking on Michael Jordan during these sessions. If anything, they were working together to beat up on other NBA vets like Antoine Walker.
Why the Fake Videos Exist
If you search for "LeBron dunking on Jordan," you’ll find plenty of "evidence" that is basically just clever editing or video game footage.
- NBA 2K Simulations: Most "full game" highlights of the two playing 1-on-1 are just highly modded versions of the video game.
- The 2009 Jordan Camp: There is a famous story about a college player named Jordan Crawford dunking on LeBron James at a Nike camp. Nike reportedly confiscated the tapes. People often conflate this story, thinking it was LeBron dunking on "a" Jordan (Michael).
- All-Star Moments: We’ve seen them together at All-Star weekends, like the 75th Anniversary Team ceremony in 2022. They shared a hug. They laughed. But no one was in a jersey.
The Statistical Reality
Since we can't watch them play, we obsess over the numbers. It’s the only way to "see" who wins.
Jordan has the 6-0 Finals record. That is the ultimate trump card for the MJ crowd. He never needed a Game 7 to win a title. He was a scoring machine, averaging 30.1 points per game for his career—the highest in NBA history.
LeBron has the longevity. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He has more rebounds, more assists, and more All-NBA selections than anyone who has ever touched a basketball.
| Category | Michael Jordan | LeBron James |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Titles | 6 | 4 |
| Finals MVP | 6 | 4 |
| MVP Awards | 5 | 4 |
| Career PPG | 30.1 | 27.1 |
| All-Star Games | 14 | 21 |
The debate usually boils down to what you value more: peak dominance or sustained excellence. Jordan’s peak in the 90s was untouchable. LeBron’s ability to remain a top-five player in the league at age 40 is equally miraculous.
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Relationship
People want them to be rivals. They want there to be beef.
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In reality, they barely talk. LeBron recently admitted on The Pat McAfee Show that he doesn't really have a relationship with Jordan right now. He attributes this to his own competitive nature and the fact that he is still active.
"I think it's because I'm still playing," LeBron said. He noted that Jordan is a "ruthless competitor" and hinted that a real friendship might have to wait until he hangs it up for good.
It’s kinda weird when you think about it. Two of the most famous people on earth, linked forever in every barbershop debate, and they are basically strangers.
Actionable Insights for the GOAT Debate
If you're going to argue this with your friends, don't use fake dunk stories. Use the actual data to build your case.
- If you're Team Jordan: Focus on the Scoring Titles (10) and the Defensive Player of the Year award. Jordan wasn't just an offensive force; he was the best perimeter defender in the league. Point out that he never switched teams to "chase" rings.
- If you're Team LeBron: Focus on the Total Points and Playmaking. LeBron makes his teammates better in a way Jordan didn't always prioritize. Use the "2007 Cavs" or "2018 Cavs" as examples of him carrying mediocre rosters to the Finals.
- Check the Era: Remember that Jordan played in a more physical, "hand-checking" era, while LeBron plays in a space-oriented, high-efficiency era. Both environments have unique challenges.
Stop looking for the video of the dunk. It doesn't exist. Instead, appreciate that we are currently watching the final chapters of a career that actually managed to live up to the impossible shadow cast by MJ.
Check the official NBA transition stats or historical box scores on Basketball-Reference to see how their production shifted at different ages. Comparing Jordan's Wizards years to LeBron's current Lakers run provides a fascinating look at how two different "Old Men" adapted their games.