Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestEmail to someone

On Saturday, Michael Jordan fielded a wide range of questions from campers at his Michael Jordan Flight School in Santa Barbara, California. He was asked who — Stephen Curry or LeBron James — he would rather play today in a game of one-on-one. Jordan started to suggest he couldn’t beat either, before opting for Curry, noting he could back the reigning NBA MVP into the lane.

JORDAN VS. JAMES

''This is the ESPN question. I know it's going to be all over ESPN. If I was in my prime, could I beat LeBron in a one-on-one game? No question!''

— Michael Jordan, on playing LeBron James in his prime

Jordan’s admission by no means suggests he doesn’t think he could be defeat James (or any other player with the possible exception of Kobe Bryant) if both players were in their prime. He made that clear when answering another camper’s question and in an interview from a couple years ago. He also detailed teaching O.J. Mayo something about respecting his elders in a one-on-one master class.

ALL-TIME LAKERS VS BULLS

Jordan also weighed in on Shaq’s recent contention that the all-time five greatest Lakers could easily beat the Bulls’ five greatest players.

''I just felt like he was just talking. It's a debate. The thing is that we would never know. I think we would have killed them. He thinks they would have killed us. You guys decide. It's just a debate.''

— Michael Jordan, on Bulls vs Lakers

Other highlights from the Q&A session follow…

PHIL JACKSON VS DEAN SMITH

''If I had to play one game, who would I want to coach: Phil Jackson or Dean Smith? Dean Smith. Fortunately Dean Smith helped me become the basketball player I am today. Phil was lucky because I was taught the game by Dean Smith.''

— Michael Jordan, on picking a coach

BIGGEST TRASH TALKER

''Biggest trash-talker I ever played against? Probably Larry Bird. He talks a lot of trash. Good trash, though, not dirty trash. Good trash.''

— Michael Jordan, on trash talking

TEAM JORDAN RECRUIT

''I'm a big fan of Mike Trout, the baseball player. I absolutely love him. I wish I could hire him. But he's Nike, so I can't steal Nike's guys.''

— Michael Jordan, on adding to Team Jordan

JORDAN ON KOBE

''I think he's done a lot for the game, and he has a true love for the game of basketball. I absolutely have high regard for Kobe Bryant — even though he stole all my moves. But that's okay. I still love him like a brother.''

— Michael Jordan, on Kobe Bryant