Michael Jordan's Political Inaction is the Greatest Strike Against Him in LeBron James GOAT Discussion

With the weekly continuation of "The Last Dance," basketball fans have relished in more opportunities to debate once again whether LeBron James or Michael Jordan is truly the greatest basketball player of all time. Jordan’s fans will point to his 6-0 in the NBA Finals and his unmatched killer instinct. LeBron’s fans will point to the fact that he has already surpassed Jordan in a number of statistical categories and will continue to do so. No matter which route you take, there's an argument to be made in each man's favor.

The one thing that holds Jordan back the most in the debate, however, has nothing to do with the game on the court. Rather, it's his stance -- or lack thereof -- when it came to the political climate in America in the 1990’s. The go-to quote in making this case against MJ is the infamous “Republicans buy sneakers too” comment, which Jordan himself clarified was made in jest. In 1990, he had the chance to endorse US Senate candidate Harvey Gantt, black man running against controversial incumbent Jesse Helms in Jordan's home state of North Carolina, but MJ decided against doing so publicly. He did acknowledge donating to Gantt's campaign.

Helms, who demonstrated a history of racist and anti-LGBT views, won re-election with 52.6% of the vote.

James, on the other hand, has never shied away from the difficult conversations surrounding politics and social issues. Whether it is endorsing a presidential candidate, calling out the current US President on Twitter, or voicing his opinions on issues of race and class, LBJ has emerged as a leader with a uniquely powerful voice. While Jordan took on all challenges on the court, James has never been scared of the big moment off the floor, even if it's sure to bring inevitable blowback from those on the other side of any number of issues.

Jordan has made it well-known that his sole focus at the time of his NBA career was just that: playing ball. With a spotlight constantly following James since even before his pro career started in 2003, it has always been important for him to take a stance on issues he cares about. If there is one thing that the LeBron-is-the-GOAT crew wants to point to, this is the topic that stands out above all others.