Michael Jordan’s First Real Conversation With LeBron James Speaks Volumes as Rare Old Clip Goes Viral

A rare old clip of Michael Jordan and LeBron James has gone viral online as it documents their first real conversation. The substance of their exchange speaks volumes, showing how easily the two GOATs connected from the very beginning.

The clip was shared by Courtside Buzzing on Instagram and features the exchange between LeBron and MJ during the 2003 Jordan Classic. In the video, Jordan appears to hand LeBron a memento while offering a simple but powerful message.

"LBJ! What’s up, kid? Everything good? Keep working hard, boy. Don’t you stop," Jordan said.

The exchange speaks for itself. James entered the NBA later that year as the No. 1 pick, and he’s carried that message with him ever since. He’s built his career on relentless hard work and, just as Jordan told him, he hasn’t stopped.

James is entering his 23rd season in the NBA this term, the longest any player has played ever. Furthermore, he has cemented himself as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and remains the biggest star in the league today.

Although fans never got to see the two GOATs share the court with MJ retiring just a season before LeBron entered the league, their brief exchange still says plenty about both men. Jordan recognized James’ potential early on, and LeBron has spent the past two decades delivering on that promise with remarkable consistency.

LeBron James once asked Michael Jordan for the blueprint to be "the best"

LeBron James entered the 2003 Jordan Classic as the highest-rated high school player in the country and delivered during the All-Star game. The forward recorded 34 points and 12 rebounds during the matchup and was awarded the Co-MVP alongside Shannon Brown.

While the game remains a classic, a clip of James' interaction with MJ after the game has gone viral, where he asked the Bulls legend for the blueprint to be "the best."

"The burning desire to become the best. How did that come about?" an 18-year-old James asked.

Jordan reverted to the question with a well-thought-out response.

"I think it’s my passion for the game, my desire to get as close as I can to perfection. Listen to your coaches. Listen to the media, to some degree, because you’re gonna hear a lot of criticism about your game," Jordan expressed.

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(2003) An 18-year-old LeBron James asking Michael Jordan how his desire to the best came about.

This exchange between the two all-time greats underscores just how aligned they were in mindset. A drive that ultimately helped both carve out their place among the best players in NBA history.