The story of LeBron James playing pickup games with NBA stars, including Michael Jordan, when he was just 16 years old in Chicago, is both well-told and debated.
James claims that he was unstoppable during the games despite playing against NBA stars. Metta World-Peace somewhat agreed when he said Bron was cooking. Meanwhile, Antoine Walker said that James was capping because the only reason why he went off in those games was that they treated him like a 16-year-old kid among men, not one of them.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut while LeBron being unguardable or not is the main reason why most people recall that story, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said that the Chicago pickup games were a crucial part of LeBon's career because meeting Michael Jordan there influenced his decision to sign with Nike among his shoe brand suitors.
Getting to know Mike added the allure
According to Windhorst's book, LeBron, Inc., at one point during his Chicago runs, James was asked by Jordan's trainer, Tim Grover, to stay after the workouts, which were held at his gym. Moments later, MJ arrived in a fancy sports car, leaving Bron and buddy Maverick Carter in awe.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"He spent twenty to thirty minutes getting to know LeBron that day. Of course, Jordan was LeBron's idol, and the moment overwhelmed him," wrote Windy. "Getting to know Jordan, perhaps the signature Nike athlete of all-time, added to the allure."
Although the incident happened two years before LeBron turned pro, Windhorst claims that meeting Mike in person and getting the opportunity to know his childhood idol one-on-one stuck in Bron's mind and influenced his decision to sign with Nike.
Related: How a 12-year-old negotiated free Air Jordans from Michael Jordan himself
Bron called Windy weird
However LeBron has repeatedly called a cap on Brian's story. Last March, James went to "The Pat McAfee Show" and fired shots not only at Stephen A. Smith but also at Windhorst, whom he called "weird" because he claims to be his best friend. He also reiterated that the signing bonus, not Jordan, was the reason why he chose Nike.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"He went on a show like, 'Don't let LeBron fool you. He wears No. 23 because of Michael Jordan.' Okay, that's a fact," James told McAfee. "(Windy said), 'He signed with Nike because of Michael Jordan.' It's like, no, the f**k I didn't. I signed with Nike because they gave me a hell of a signing bonus; I moved my momma out of the hood the next day I signed that contract."
Regardless of whether it's LeBron or Windy who's telling the real story, Nike couldn't care less. They won the LeBron sweepstakes and although he hasn't reached Air Jordan levels, his signature shoe line recently released a 23rd silhouette, which makes it the second-longest basketball shoe line of all time, behind the Jordans.
Related: "It's impossible to defend" - LeBron James praises Stephen Curry's deceptiveness that lulls defenses
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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