Michael Jordan faced an impossible question.

The NBA GOAT was forced to pick between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Michael Jordan knew the answer when picking between Kobe Byrant and LeBron JamesCredit: AFP
James, 39, is still playing at a high level after 21 seasons and recently watched his son, Bronny, join the Los Angeles Lakers.

James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and is pairing with former rival Steph Curry in the hope of winning a gold medal for Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Bryant had a remarkable basketball career and inspired millions, including tennis superstar Novak Djokovic.

Jordan got involved in the “Who’s better?” debate in 2013, when James was in his prime leading the Miami Heat’s Big Three, while Bryant was approaching the end of his legendary run with the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Kobe or LeBron?” veteran sports analyst Ahmad Rashad
asked Jordan.

The question arrived for “Michael Jordan at 50,” a special looking back at his 50th birthday.

“I’d say, ‘Kevin Durant,’ ” Jordan said. “Naw, I’m just kidding.”

Then the 10-time scoring champion got real.

Air Jordan praised James but had his eye on someone elseCredit: youtube@nba

Bryant followed in Jordan’s NBA footstepsCredit: Getty

It’s hard to beat James when it comes to basketball longevityCredit: Getty
“In terms of dominance of the game of basketball, at this stage it’s LeBron,” Jordan said in 2013.

But the six-time NBA Finals winner had another final answer.

Rare video footage from 1984 NBA Draft night shows a nervous Michael Jordan hoping to turn around the Chicago Bulls franchise
“Championship-wise, it’s Kobe Bryant,” Jordan said. “He wants it so bad and he’s willing to go to the extreme. Guarding a point guard at the age of 34, playing 38 minutes, 40 minutes, that’s ludicrous.”

Jordan then linked himself with Bryant, not James.

“He’s cursed as much as I am,” said Jordan, referring to Bryant.

When specifically picking between Bryant and James, Air Jordan acknowledged that it would be a “tough choice.”

Basketball fans often side with Jordan because of his championship ring total, and he did the same in the Bryant vs. James debate.

“Five (rings) beats one,” Jordan said.

Bryant built his ring collection by teaming with Shaquille O’Neal on the LakersCredit: Getty
In 2024, the Bryant or James debate would tip toward The King, primarily because of James’ longevity.

But in terms of pure career dominance, many would flip the order.

Jordan would be No. 1, Bryant would take the No. 2 spot, and James would be last.

James, who joined the Lakers in 2018, now has four championship rings but is 4-6 all-time in the Finals.

Bryant, who died in 2020, was 5-2 in the Finals.

Jordan was a perfect 6-0 and led the Chicago Bulls to two three-peats.

“Interviewer: Kobe or LeBron? Jordan: Me, obviously,” a fan jokingly tweeted.

“Reporter is lucky that MJ didnt take it personal,” a second fan posted. “He would give him 60 (points).”

Team USA is set to play two Olympic exhibition games on Saturday and Monday at the 02 in London.

James is going for this third gold medal.

Bryant won two golds, which is the same amount that Jordan received.