LeBron’s Pay Demands Show He’s Accepted Second Place to Michael Jordan, Says Colin Cowherd

“I think Jordan is still in his head” – Colin Cowherd believes LeBron James’ unwillingness to take a pay cut means he accepted being number two to Michael Jordan originally appeared on Basketball Network.

The LeBron James vs Michael Jordan GOAT debate is one that sparks massive controversy every time a high-profile analyst weighs in with a new take.

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Colin Cowherd recently reignited that fire on his show, claiming that King James has seemingly accepted that he’ll never surpass MJ in the eyes of NBA fans.

According to Cowherd, LeBron’s unwillingness to settle for a lesser paycheck and make sure of being the highest-earning player of the Los Angeles Lakers next season only shows how he doesn’t prioritize winning like Jordan, who once stepped foot on the court for a $1 million while representing the Washington Wizards.

“LeBron wasn’t willing to leave $52 million on the table for a mid-level exception. LeBron’s a billionaire. My take is with LeBron is that it’s not about winning anymore. I think Michael Jordan’s still in his head,” the 61-year-old NBA analyst said on the latest episode of “The Herd.” “He knows in the basketball community, he’s never gonna catch Michael,” Colin pointed out.

Cowherd thinks LeBron will always be second to Jordan
Cowherd also emphasized that Jordan holds a stronger emotional connection with fans. His legacy is filled with iconic moments that people can instantly visualize – whether it’s the flu game or his game-winning jumper in the 1998 NBA Finals. In contrast, Cowherd argues that LeBron’s most universally remembered moment might only be the chasedown block in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. While undoubtedly historic, Colin claims it doesn’t match the broader mystic aura surrounding Jordan.

If that wasn’t enough, the veteran sports media analyst also proclaimed how Mike’s brand power and singular loyalty to the Chicago Bulls elevate his legacy in ways LeBron’s career – split across Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles – does not. Thus, Cowherd took the liberty to also suggest that LeBron has conveniently maneuvered out of every hopeless situation in his career.

“Here’s the difference: MJ makes you feel something, LeBron doesn’t. You want to make you feel something about a product and Michael makes you feel that,” Cowherd added. “Michael’s richer, more memorable, bigger brand and he makes you feel something and LeBron doesn’t. LeBron has kinda bounced around to the best basketball opportunity every chance he gets,” Cowherd concluded.

Related: “Better is only about championships” – Phil Jackson argued LeBron James can’t surpass Michael Jordan without matching his six championships

Will LeBron deliver in 2025-26?
Safe to say that, in the minds of many, including Cowherd, LeBron is already cemented as the second-greatest player ever, but the door to the top spot is considered closed simply because he hasn’t gone six-for-six in the NBA Finals like Jordan.

However, if LeBron, now in his 40s, can somehow capture a fifth ring, the narrative could shift significantly. That level of longevity and sustained excellence might force even his critics to reconsider where he truly stands in basketball history.

So while many may still choose Jordan, at that point, it won’t just be about championships. If the Purple and Gold do manage to lift the Larry O’Brien this season, James’ career can hardly be refuted as the greatest, or his legacy as the greatest player ever, who kept battling through skepticism from his first day to the last.

It would be a hell of a story if James’ can win a title in what is, perhaps, his final season.

Related: “Too expensive and too old” – Colin Cowherd predicts next season will be the last in the career of LeBron James

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.