(Video): Stacey King puts LeBron James vs Michael Jordan debate into perspective using Charlie Kirk clip

(Video): Stacey King puts LeBron James vs Michael Jordan debate into perspective using Charlie Kirk clip

Michael Jordan and LeBron James

The Chicago Bulls have had the great fortune of having Michael Jordan turn the franchise into the most recognizable brand in American sports. Nearly 27 years since his last game for Chicago, the legend of Jordan is still as pristine as ever in some viewers’ eyes. His former teammate and color commentator Stacey King poured some gasoline onto the GOAT debate between him and LeBron James yesterday.

The 10-year former professional posted a clip of conservative author Charlie Kirk’s takes on the GOAT debate on his Instagram. Kirk’s soundbite featured a number of arguments routinely used by those in the Michael Jordan camp to prop him up. The Illinois native compared the duo’s influence on the NBA, players and teammates.

YouTube video

It is very hard for an Illinois native to sound impartial in any debate involving Jordan. Taking pride in the greatness of the ’90s Bulls is second nature to people born and brought up in the state. Kirk used a three-pronged argument to make his case, with the first focusing on the degree of difficulty in scoring.

Do you think it’s easier to score points in 2025 or in 1995 in the NBA?

Charlie Kirk asked in response to a question on his GOAT debate stance

After being told by the questioner that it’s easier to score in the 2025 NBA, Kirk proceeded to attach an asterisk to LeBron James‘ scoring total record. He then asked the questioner whether the NBA was more popular in the 1990s versus today. On being answered ‘Today’, Kirk disagreed vehemently. He cited NBA viewership numbers and then attached the blame of the league’s declining popularity to James.

So Jordan made the NBA more popular, and LeBron made the NBA a joke. The NBA is on verge of collapse – no one wants to watch it, crowd attendance is down, they gotta give away free food, they gotta give away free beer. The cable channels are like ‘No one’s watching’, every game is a 3-point contest, no one plays defense. So the league of LeBron is going into a place of irrelevance. Jordan left the league at the highest ratings ever, with a cultural phenomenon the way we’ve never seen before.

Charlie Kirk compared LeBron James, Michael Jordan in terms of impact

Kirk then expounded on the impact made by Michael Jordan more by citing the popularity of the Jordan brand sneakers in inner cities. However, the most unsettling argument made by Kirk came last out of his mouth.

You know how you’re the GOAT? You’re the GOAT when you don’t have to keep on playing till you’re 40, and don’t have to give your kid some special job just because you’re a billionaire. That’s how you’re the GOAT. You’re the GOAT when you’re like ‘I just won six, thanks so much, I’m retiring’. The GOAT knows he’s the greatest and he doesn’t have to keep on playing to prove it.

Charlie Kirk argued

The constant vitriol towards Bronny James is definitely something that bothers James, as shown by his fallout with Stephen A. Smith. Kirk is seen using that card to perhaps attempt to get a response from Klutch Sports or James.

What veracity do Charlie Kirk and Stacey King have in this LeBron James vs Michael Jordan debate?

It is very hard to take a conservative pundit seriously about basketball, given the systemic attacks from that ecosystem towards the activism of NBA players, coaches and organizations. Charlie Kirk’s barbs on the player front and the player power front in calling out James may well be based in reality. But his words about James’ impact on the NBA come from a biased, untrue perspective.

For Stacey King, the parameters are very different. This is a man who commentated on at least four of LeBron’s games during his peak in the Eastern Conference every year. As King has credentials as a player and affiliations to Jordan, his voice carries a ton of validity unlike Kirk. However, for him to platform pointed barbs towards a young Bronny James can only be called a disappointment for the NBA community.

King will end up sparking more negativity towards the league during the Final Four, when all of America has eyes glued to college basketball and more conversations about the NBA as a product take place. Perhaps he could’ve given more thought to his standing as an ambassador of basketball before platforming Kirk.