Insider reveals how Michael Jordan stopped LeBron James from joining the Bulls
An NBA insider has revealed the reason why LeBron James never joined the Chicago Bulls.
Yet again, LeBron’s future is in the spotlight, with the constant talk of his Lakers career failing to evaporate from the media cycle.
The 40-year-old has opted to play out an expiring $52.6 million deal for the upcoming season, with other teams reportedly viable options for LeBron, who is having to deal with the arrival of California’s new poster boy: Luka Doncic.
The pair of heavyweights sharing the locker room is fodder for anyone with an affiliation to the game: watching the battle of egos play out is arguably one of the storylines of the season, with LeBron already having to get used to taking a step back from the front of the lunch queue.
"LeBron was chasing Michael’s ghost"
But things could have been so different. It was on the Basketball Society podcast where NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson suggested the reason that LeBron James never joined the 6-time NBA champions due to his relationship with Michael Jordan.
“I think Michael and LeBron’s conversations will enhance more when LeBron is towards the end, which could happen sooner rather than later. A lot of people feel like LeBron was chasing Michael’s ghost, which was part of the reason why LeBron never joined the Chicago Bulls,” Robinson revealed.
“Comparatively, when you look at LeBron and Michael, there’s just so much being compared and contrasted,” the insider added. “When you’re no longer seen as a threat, LeBron could win two more championships, whether in Los Angeles, whether he signs somewhere else, or whether he gets traded. LeBron’s story is still being written. You don’t want to give your competitor any type of advice to chase me, meaning Michael.”
“Michael Jordan & LeBron at their prime: Michael Jordan was too sexy; when he had the bald head. LeBron’s like a guy with a dump truck.”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 24, 2025
- Dennis Rodman
(h/t @CourtsideBuzzX )
pic.twitter.com/Tf5ft3MU2v
The pair have been part of a long-standing debate on the greatest NBA player of all time: while Jordan has the statistics in terms of winnings, while LeBron has the longevity. Jordan averaged more points per game over his career, with a higher free throw percentage and more scoring titles; LeBron has higher career averages in rebounds and assists. The debate will rage on forever.
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