Charles Oakley would rather play with LeBron James than Michael Jordan - "Mike ain't passing me the ball"

The "Oak Tree" surprised a lot of people when he chose the King over MJ but his reasons made a lot of sense.

© Grace Hollars/IndyStar

Chicago Bulls great Charles Oakley is one of the most honest and straightforward men you'll meet in the NBA. He's someone who won't hesitate to give you a piece of his mind, and he definitely won't mince words. That was the case when the "Oak Tree" was asked who he'd rather play with: one of his best friends in Michael Jordan, or the great LeBron James?

Mike ain't passing me the ball

Oakley was asked that question during a recent appearance on Kevin Garnett's show "KG Certified." Without hesitation, the rugged forward replied he'd much rather play with LeBron James simply because he'd get the ball more.

"They ask me who would you rather play with LeBron or Mike?" Oakley said. "I said LeBron but Mike is my best friend. Mike ain't passing me the ball. He don't care if I get a shot today or tomorrow. But, you know, he's got to be Mike."

Although the Virginia Union product was known more for being Jordan's on-court bodyguard during his first three seasons with the Bulls, the 6-foot-8 forward could also score efficiently, as evidenced by his performances from 1986 to 1991, where he averaged double-figures. His best scoring season came during the 1989-1990 season, where he put up 14.6 points and 11.9 boards per game for the New York Knicks.

Oak weighs in on the GOAT debate. 🥣

Catch @KevinGarnett5KG’s sit-down interview with @CharlesOakley34, now available on our YouTube ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/tQYPZjDbvS

— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) March 31, 2023

LeBron's the better facilitator

As surprising as Oakley's answer was considering his relationship with His Airness, it also makes perfect sense given LeBron's reputation as a prolific facilitator. After all, the King has averaged as many as 10.2 assists per game during the 2019-2020 season, thus helping his teammates by finding them open looks.

It seems that Oakley is not the biggest fan of Jordan's playing style, and he knows how his career may have panned out had he played alongside a more team-oriented player like LeBron James.