Trump Calls Basketball Star LeBron James ‘Maybe a Racist,’ Backs Michael Jordan As ‘GOAT’ 

US President Donald Trump has reignited his long-running feud with NBA superstar LeBron James, suggesting the basketball icon could be “a racist” while declaring Michael Jordan as the greatest player in NBA history.

Speaking during a White House press conference, Trump was asked to weigh in on the long-running debate over whether James or Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time, following LeBron’s announcement that he will continue his career with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Trump praised Jordan, describing the six-time NBA champion as a personal friend.

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

He then took aim at James, saying, “I think LeBron is, maybe he’s 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.”

LeBron James has yet to respond publicly to the remarks.

The NBA legend has frequently criticised Trump over the years and has openly endorsed Democratic presidential candidates, including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

In 2017, James famously referred to Trump as “a bum” during a dispute over White House invitations for NBA championship-winning teams.

Despite their political differences, James remains one of the most decorated players in basketball history.

The 41-year-old has won four NBA championships with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, earned four league MVP awards, and holds the NBA records for the most career points and games played.

James announced on Friday that he will join the Philadelphia 76ers, expressing confidence that he can help the franchise compete for an NBA title. The move pairs him with fellow stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown as Philadelphia targets championship success.