How Michael Jordan ‘took control’ over GOAT narrative after LeBron James’ 2016 historic win

Michael Jordan's The Last Dance shifted the GOAT conversation back towards him despite LeBron James' claims.

How Michael Jordan ‘took control’ over GOAT narrative after LeBron James’ 2016 historic win

Michael Jordan LeBron James GOAT conversation changed after The Last Dance

The NBA’s most extensively debated topic is about the GOAT, or the Greatest player Of All Time. Michael Jordan was firmly in control of that status, until a certain LeBron James looked to threaten his crown after his historic 2016 NBA Finals.

That NBA Finals series changed the public’s perception of LeBron James. The same fans who chastised him for leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers were now in awe with what he did in that seven-game series. All was forgotten and they were about to anoint him the new GOAT.

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As per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, that was also the same time when a documentary was green lit that would tilt the GOAT narrative towards one side. It so happened that NBA Entertainment had in their possession film from the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls championship winning season.

It was shot with the intent of showcasing Michael Jordan‘s last season with the team. The project had head coach Phil Jackson‘s approval. But the caveat was that it was the superstar’s call when it would be released.

Time and again a few high-profile names came to the forefront to try and be the driving force of that series. But they never made it to a meeting with the six-time NBA Champion. Then after nearly two decades, producer Mike Tollin saw an opening.

The world was starting to accept long form documentaries. He also shared with Jordan his work. That impressed the superstar, and he shook hands. Mike Tollin and his crew got to work on what would become The Last Dance.

Did Michael Jordan give the go-ahead signal after LeBron James’ win?

Ironically, Tollin’s meeting with Michael Jordan was on the very day LeBron James was celebrating in Cleveland, Ohio. Shelburne’s article does not indicate if that situation had a bearing on Jordan’s decision. But the circumstances suggest it could have played its part.

Those tapes were in the vault for nearly two decades. In all that time ‘His Airness’ did not feel the need to produce the docuseries. Sure, OJ Simpson‘s documentary gave everyone in that room the idea that the series will work.

But with James doused in champagne with tears rolling down his eyes the most recent photograph in the minds of basketball fans, Jordan saw an opportunity to continue keeping himself in the limelight. The timing of the docuseries was to bring back the narrative that he was the GOAT.

The Last Dance released in 2020, four years after he gave the green signal. Had LeBron James and his Cavaliers won more titles against that Golden State Warriors team, the documentary could have brought Jordan back into the conversation.

Since he could not find a way to beat that super team, it played out well for Jordan. The Last Dance tipped the conversation over the edge. That Netflix series reminded basketball fans once again who the NBA’s GOAT is.