Trump's comments on James and Jordan
President Donald Trump suggested that NBA superstar LeBron James might be 'a racist' while explaining why he considers Michael Jordan the greatest player of all time. Trump made the remarks during an unrelated news conference after being asked to weigh in on the long-running debate over who is the NBA's best. 'Michael Jordan's a guy that's a friend of mine. I play golf with him. He's a really good guy. And I think LeBron is -- maybe he's a racist, but maybe he doesn't like Trump. I don't know,' Trump said. 'But I only like people that like me. So, I would say Michael Jordan all the way.'[S1][S2]
James's decision to join Philadelphia
Earlier on Friday, James announced that he will sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, calling the move the 'last decision' of his NBA career after seriously considering retirement following last season. He said he chose Philadelphia because he still wants 'to compete, to win' and believes he can help the 76ers contend for another championship. James, 41, is an NBA four-time champion and the league's all-time leader in points and games played.[S1][S2]
Background of the feud
The comments mark the latest chapter in the yearslong public feud between Trump and James. James has repeatedly criticized Trump, endorsing Democratic candidates and calling Trump 'a bum' in 2017 after a controversy over White House invitations for NBA champions. In 2018, James said Trump doesn't 'give a f***' about Americans. Trump has also criticized James in the past, questioning his intelligence. James has not responded to the latest remarks.[S2][S3]
