Michael Jordan's Nike contract was a game-changer. LeBron James has weighed in on social issues. Who was a bigger influencer off the court?

Religion, politics and the NBA GOAT debate. Odds are you've had more mature, rational conversations with friends and loved ones about the first two topics rather than the third.

Colin Cowherd says LeBron knows he’ll never catch MJ “Michael's richer, more memorable, bigger brand, and he makes you feel something, and LeBron doesn't. LeBron has kinda bounced around to the best basketball opportunity every chance he gets.” pic.twitter.com/tstFqS4TDJ

There are levels to the NBA's GOAT debate. Today, we look at what the haters have pointed to during the careers of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

LeBron James and Michael Jordan have been destined for a rivalry since the former was a high school player in Akron, Ohio. However, that feud would never actually play out on the court, as Jordan's final year with the Wizards was one season before LeBron's rookie campaign.

Hakeem Olajuwon on what separates Michael Jordan from LeBron James: "Jordan was a far more superior player in a very, very tough league" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Hakeem Olajuwon did not sugarcoat his answer when asked to weigh in on the GOAT debate during a 2015 interview.

LeBron James' legacy has often been stacked against that of Michael Jordan, his predecessor. But King James would have enjoyed playing with his Airness had their careers intertwined.

The debate over who the NBA’s greatest of all time (GOAT) is, Michael Jordan or LeBron James, has been ongoing for a long time and shows no signs of stopping. Many players, former players, and analysts have made their choices between James and Jordan.

Lakers star LeBron James shuts down speculation before it starts, trolling fans over a fake Michael Jordan team-up during an interview.

Since James and Jordan are different players with somewhat different skill sets and mindsets, perhaps it could've worked. During an episode of the "Mind the Game" podcast, James said his game would've fit alongside Jordan's game, since he is essentially a point forward and Jordan was a pure scorer.