Trump suggests LeBron James 'racist' during Michael Jordan comparison

President Donald Trump let his feelings be known about LeBron James when asked about the NBA star on Friday, July 24.

Trump suggested during an appearance at the White House that James is "maybe a racist" when he was asked by a reporter whether LeBron or Michael Jordan was the better NBA player. Trump noted he has played golf with Jordan, calling him a "nice guy" before criticizing James.

The reporter's question stemmed from James's announcement on X earlier in the day that he's joining the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency.

“Michael Jordan is a guy that’s a friend of mine. Play golf with him. He’s a really good guy,” Trump said. “I think LeBron is — maybe he’s a racist. Maybe he doesn’t like Trump. But I only like people that like me. So I would say Michael Jordan all the way.”

Trump: "Maybe LeBron is a racist. But maybe he doesn't like Trump. I don't know. I only like people that like me, so I would say Michael Jordan all the way." pic.twitter.com/57WNqHWSHH

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 24, 2026

James, the four-time NBA champion and the league's all-time leading scorer, agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with Philadelphia. He left the Los Angeles Lakers, whom he led to their last title in 2020, after eight seasons when free agency opened on June 30.

Trump and James have a history of dissent. Back in 2017, James called Trump a "bum" in a post on X to support Golden State Warriors' superstar Stephen Curry declining a team invitation to the White House in 2017 after the Warriors won the NBA title. After that, Trump, who was in his first term, rescinded the team's invite.

"U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going!" James said. "So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!"

U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump suggests LeBron James 'racist' during Michael Jordan comparison