Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Donald Trump picks his favorites: "I only like people who like me"

Basketball star LeBron James could be racist, Donald Trump has suggested. The US president told reporters on Friday afternoon (local time). James announced on July 24 that he would return for a 24th NBA season.

President Trump was asked if James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was also asked if James surpassed Michael Jordan’s size. Trump called Jordan a personal friend during his response. He speculated that James was a racist.

“Michael Jordan is a guy who’s a friend of mine. I think LeBron is, maybe he’s racist, but maybe he doesn’t like Trump. I don’t know, but I only like people who like me, so I’d say Michael Jordan,” he said.

The Trump-James feud

The comments extend the long feud between Donald Trump and LeBron James. In 2016, James endorsed Hillary Clinton against Trump. James argued that America needed a “unifying” rather than a “divisive” president. “We need a president who will bring us together and keep us united,” James said at the time.

Tensions escalated after Trump rescinded the Golden State Warriors’ invitation to the White House. James publicly criticized Trump, calling the move “dishonest.” “You boom. Going to the White House was a great honor until you showed up!” James took revenge on social media.

Trump hit back the following year over James’ TV interview. In that interview, the basketball player criticized Trump’s attacks on kneeling black athletes. Since then, Trump has praised Michael Jordan while continuing to focus on James. He noticed that Jordan was playing golf with him. He also praised the figure of the legend.

In 2018, James said Trump “didn’t give a damn” about the American people.

“It’s not even a surprise when he says something. It’s funny, it’s laughable, and it’s scary,” he said at the time.

“While we can’t change what comes out of that man’s mouth, we can continue to warn the people who are watching us, who are listening to us, that this is not the way to go,” James added.

James later endorsed Joe Biden during the 2020 election cycle. He also endorsed Kamala Harris against Trump in 2024. In explaining, James cited concerns about his children’s future.

“When I think about my children and my family and how they will grow up, the choice is clear to me,” he said ahead of the 2024 US election.

James is not alone among the athletes Trump has criticized. Others previously targeted include NBA stars Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.