LeBron James seated on stage, smiling and gesturing with one hand while holding a microphone at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026.
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Trump Called Lebron James “Maybe A Racist” from the Oval Office, Then Said He Only Likes People Who Like Him

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A White House reporter asked Trump who’s the real GOAT, Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Trump picked Jordan, called him a golf buddy and “a really good guy,” then floated that LeBron “maybe he’s a racist.”

The question was about basketball. Trump made it about friendship.

LeBron James speaking onstage at the Mind the Game panel during Fanatics Fest NYC 2026 at the Jacob Javits Center
LeBron James takes the stage for the Mind the Game panel at Fanatics Fest NYC 2026, held at the Jacob Javits Center on July 16, 2026. Photo by Roy Rochlin / Getty Images.
President Donald Trump speaking at a desk in the Oval Office at the White House
Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office on July 24, 2026, where he signed executive orders targeting nuclear energy and easing rules for new reactors. Photo by Eric Lee / Getty Images.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, Trump was asked by White House reporter Peter Doocy where he lands on the Jordan-vs-LeBron debate. His answer skipped rings, points, and talent entirely.

“Well, Michael Jordan’s a guy that’s a friend of mine. Play golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump said.

LeBron James speaking onstage at a panel event at Jacob Javits Center in New York City
LeBron James takes the stage for The Shop Live panel at Jacob Javits Center in New York City on July 17, 2026. Photo by Roy Rochlin / Getty Images.

Then he turned to James: “And I think LeBron is, maybe he’s a racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know. But I only like people that like me. So I’d say Michael Jordan all the way.”

The two have history. Years back, James called Trump a “bum” after Trump rescinded a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors, and Trump later mocked James’ intelligence on social media, drawing public support for James that included a comment from Jordan himself.

President Donald Trump speaking at a desk in the Oval Office at the White House
Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office on July 24, 2026, where he signed executive orders on nuclear energy and reactor regulations. Photo by Eric Lee / Getty Images.

James, now a Philadelphia 76er, has been an outspoken advocate against police violence and has backed Trump’s past opponents while criticizing his campaigns.

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