Iverson: Being compared to 'black Jesus' Jordan shows how good LeBron is

Allen Iverson is the latest to weigh in on the debate comparing LeBron James to Michael Jordan.

The Answer, who played against (and alongside) both generational talents, is leaning toward the player he grew up idolizing.

"I honestly wanted to be like Mike," he said Wednesday on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd."

The 41-year-old, who was inducted to the Hall of Fame last year, elaborated on his pick, saying: "I owe a lot to him, that's why I thanked him the way I did in my Hall of Fame speech because I really believe that as a basketball player, if it wasn't for Michael Jordan, there wouldn't be no Allen Iverson."

That's not to say he doesn't respect James' game. In fact, Iverson revealed he attended one of LeBron's high school games, and knew the kid from Akron, Ohio was going to be special. That's certainly rung true, and these days A.I. loves watching the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar - who made his all-time top five - but won't rank him above his favorite hooper ever.

"I love LeBron," the 11-time All-Star said. "I hate the comparison with him and Mike. That tells you so much about what type of player he is if you compare somebody to black Jesus. (laughs)

"But LeBron is going to be on the Mount Rushmore of basketball players, but a guy like me that looked up to Mike the way I did. I can't put anybody before Mike. I wanted to be like Mike, and so many kids want to be like LeBron."

Related: Michael Jordan congratulates Allen Iverson on Hall of Fame nod

James' teammate J.R. Smith recently said the only player the four-time MVP can be compared to at this point is MJ. However, Jordan's former Chicago Bulls co-star Scottie Pippen disagreed, saying James shouldn't be compared to the GOAT given how much their positions, playing style, and roles differ.

Pippen's opinion aligns with that of James, who rejected the comparison months ago. But, as he continues to chase His Airness' legacy and break his records, it'll likely keep coming up.