Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk is known for wading into politics. But this time, it was the GOAT debate that got him fired up.
In a viral moment during a public Q&A, an audience member asked Kirk if he still believed Michael Jordan was the greatest of all time, or if he’d changed his stance in light of LeBron James’ scoring dominance.
Kirk didn’t hesitate and what followed was part sports rant, part cultural commentary.
“We Gonna Take That With an Asterisk, Right?”
“Do you think it’s easier to score points in 2025 or in 1995 in the NBA?” Kirk asked.
When the audience member admitted it’s easier to score today, Kirk jumped in:
“So therefore, when we look at point totals of LeBron, we gonna take that with an asterisk, right?”
He then pivoted to the NBA’s popularity:
“When was the NBA more popular — the ’90s or today?”
Jordan Built the League, LeBron Broke It?
Kirk argued that Jordan elevated the league, while LeBron presided over its decline:
“Jordan made the NBA more popular. LeBron made the NBA a joke.”
He went on to slam the modern league as a “3-point contest with no defense,” claiming crowd attendance is down, cable interest is waning, and arenas are giving away free food and beer just to fill seats.
“The league of LeBron is going toward irrelevance. Jordan left the league at its highest ratings ever, a cultural phenomenon.”
Jordans vs. LeBrons — In the Streets
Kirk doubled down on cultural impact:
“When you go to the inner city, to Chicago or Atlanta, do you ask, ‘Hey, are you wearing LeBrons?’ No. You ask, ‘Are you wearing Jordans?’”
The implication: legacy isn’t just about points — it’s about lasting influence.
“The GOAT Doesn’t Need to Prove It”
He ended with his sharpest jab yet:
“You know how you know you’re the GOAT? When you don’t have to keep on playing till you’re 40 just to get your kid some sort of special job.”
“The GOAT wins six and says, ‘Thanks, I’m retiring. Thanks for playing.’”
