• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

LeBron James Turns To Uninterrupted To Discuss James Vs. MJ Debate

  • James Set To Join Partner Maverick Carter and Host Paul Rivera on Uninterrupted’s “WRTS: After Party” on May 18.
  • James picks his own media platform to discuss Michael Jordan vs. LeBron debate.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James has held himself back from the “Greatest-Of-All-Time” debate about him and Michael Jordan, further fueled by ESPN’s “The Last Dance.”

But that changed on May 18 when James weighed in on his terms and on his media platform Uninterrupted.

James and partner Maverick Carter discussed the “The Last Dance” on Uninterrupted’s “WRTS: After Party” reaction show hosted by Paul Rivera. ESPN Films’ 10-part docu-series on Jordan’s Chicago Bulls dynasty concluded with episodes 9 and 10 on May 17. 

Both Carter and Rivera have dissected previous episodes of “Last Dance” on four earlier episodes of “After Party” with current and former basketball stars like Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors, Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Carmelo Anthony of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Penny Hardaway. The first “After Party” episode on April 20 drew over 100,000 views on YouTube. The three subsequent episodes have drawn 24,000, 30,000, and 42,000 views, respectively.

But the star attraction is James weighing in on the G.O.A.T. debate of him vs. Jordan. With little to no live sports during the coronavirus pandemic, the James vs. Jordan discussion has consumed sports talk shows such as Mike Greenberg’s “Get Up” and Stephen A. Smith’s “First Take” on ESPN, and Skip Bayless’ “Undisputed” on FS1.

James’ decision to speak on his media “home court” shows he’s as savvy as a businessman as Jordan was during his 1990’s heyday, said Allen Adamson, a marketing consultant at Metaforce and adjunct professor at New York University’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business.  

James was smart to hold off on ‘Last Dance” commentary, letting the anticipation build, Adamson said. By choosing his athlete empowerment brand, James will drive viewers and attention to Uninterrupted’s growing media platform.

“Letting it simmer was smart – then talking on your brand, and your own media channel, is smarter,” Adamson said. “With no real sports to watch, ‘The Last Dance’ has become the main event for many sports fans.”

Through the first eight episodes, ESPN is averaging 5.6 million viewers for “The Last Dance,” making it the network’s most-watched docu-series ever.  

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

DSG’s Future Hangs on Bankruptcy Hearing As MLB Objects to Plan

The bankrupt regional sports network operator will learn whether it will again become a viable company.

Bucks Limited by Salary Cap Woes Amid Early-Season Struggles

Milwaukee is one of four teams above the NBA’s second apron this season.
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) throws the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.

Vandy QB Pavia Sues NCAA for 2 More Years of Eligibility

Diego Pavia beat Alabama. Can he beat the NCAA’s eligibility rules?

NBA Ratings Are Dipping and One Legend Has a Theory Why

NBA teams are averaging 37 three-points attempts per game this season.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Can the NBA Cup Help Revive Lagging Viewership?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
November 8, 2024

MLB Fires Back at DSG Plan, Raising Doubt Over Long-Term Viability

The league and the Braves say they “have grave concerns” about the company’s future viability.
November 11, 2024

Cowboys’ Struggles Could Lead the NFL to Flex Out America’s Team

The perennially popular team is facing a very different reality this season.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 8, 2024

NFL, UEFA Rights Help Paramount+ Add 3.5 Million Subscribers

The streamer’s quarterly revenue grew by 25% compared to 2023.
November 7, 2024

TNT Sports Fuels WBD’s Surge As Max Hits 110.5M Subscribers

The TNT Sports parent company saw its stock price rise early Thursday.
November 6, 2024

NFL TV Ratings: Can Amazon Keep Up Record ‘TNF’ Pace?

Thursday night games are averaging 13 million viewers.
November 6, 2024

NBA TV Ratings Continue Trending Down to Open Season

The league has dealt with injuries to stars like Joel Embiid.