MJ says he'd beat LeBron

Updated: 2013-10-03 07:45

By Associated Press in Charlotte, North Carolina (China Daily)

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NBA legend Michael Jordan believes he could beat LeBron James in a one-on-one basketball game when he was in his prime.

He's not sure about Kobe Bryant.

In a video promoting the NBA 2K14 video game that was released Tuesday, Jordan said there's a long list of players he would've liked to have played one-on-one: Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Bryant and James, who is on the cover of this year's game.

 MJ says he'd beat LeBron

One of the most compelling one-on-one fantasy matchups in NBA history would be LeBron James (left) vs Michael Jordan in their primes. While promoting the release of the NBA 2K14 video game on Tuesday, Jordan said he believes he would beat James, who is one of a long list of players the former Chicago Bulls superstar said he would have liked to have played. Associated Press

"I don't think I would lose," Jordan said in the video, before smiling and adding, "Other than to Kobe Bryant, because he steals all of my moves."

Responded James: "MJ said that?"

James was told of Jordan's comments after the Miami Heat completed their first training camp practice in the Bahamas on Tuesday, and said the buzz would serve as good promotion for the game.

MJ says he'd beat LeBron

"Absolutely, I thought about the matchup," James said. "But no one would ever see it. It's not going to happen. But it's good for people to talk about."

Jordan was listed at 6-foot-6 and 213 pounds during his prime. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game during his 15 seasons in the NBA.

Considered by many the greatest basketball player ever, Jordan has had a sponsorship deal with 2K Sports since 2011, when he first appeared on the cover of the popular game.

A five-time league MVP and the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, he also shared the cover in 2012 with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.

James, 6-8 and 250 pounds, has averaged 25.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 6 assists during his first 10 seasons in the league. This year will be the first time on the cover for James, a four-time league MVP who has led the Heat to back-to-back championships.

(China Daily 10/03/2013 page12)

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