LeBron James and Michael Jordan are arguably the two most popular athletes to have graced the game of basketball. Both players are in the same category of being called ‘legends’. LeBron and Michael come from two different generations, and hence the GOAT debate has never really left the conversation. Michael Jordan has inspired the entire NBA so to say, he was the face of the game way before LeBron took that mantle.
Jordan inspired King James when he was growing up. James has stated in multiple interviews what MJ means to the Lakers star. Even when LeBron was a high school kid he donned the No.23 jersey to emulate his idol. When LeBron joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was given the No.23 shirt. James started with the No. 6 in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform but is now back to the No.23 jersey.
“[I] wanted to be like MJ, wanted to shoot fadeaways like MJ, wanted to stick my tongue out on dunks like MJ … I wanted kids to look up to me at some point like MJ.”
–@KingJames on Michael Jordan’s impact on his childhood pic.twitter.com/w70wQCmo2o
— ESPN (@espn) March 7, 2019
The King’s pre-game ritual is pretty unique. Players are seen using chalk before games to get a better grip on the ball. Jordan used chalk as well in the 1990s to get a better grip himself. Jordan did this to prank the Bull’s commentators. This was something James picked up and came out with a version of it himself. He popularised it in the game once again, and a lot of players do like the ritual.
When did LeBron James start his chalk throw ritual?
LeBron James did his first ever chalk throw ritual in his initial days of basketball in the NBA. It was in 2003 when he first did the Chalk throw in Cleveland Cavaliers. Still a rookie, his ritual was loved by many NBA fans. Initially, the King did it to get a better grip but, over the years it has become a ritual for him to toss some chalk in the air before games. A signature chalk throw in the air to represent his “airness” and himself.
VIDEO: Watch LeBron James’ intro at his first 2014 home game in Cleveland, plus a chalk toss http://t.co/i2dDXkXUcL pic.twitter.com/TfN1Nqbjkh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 31, 2014
LeBron James wears the No. 23 because of Michael Jordan.
And he just passed him on the NBA’s all-time scoring list 👏 pic.twitter.com/o9QkKoht4E
— ESPN (@espn) March 7, 2019
LeBron has been heavily inspired by Jordan and in whatever he does, he tries to emulate his idol. LeBron even surpassed his Idol on the All-Time Scoring list, while wearing the No.23 jersey. It is only a matter of time before he becomes #1 on the All-Time scoring list. It will always be an ongoing debate on who is the GOAT, but one thing is for sure in this case, greatness inspires greatness.