The two met for the first time when James was just a sophomore in high school

LeBron James met Michael Jordan for the first time while he was a sophomore in high school. Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James shared the story of his first time meeting NBA legend Michael Jordan, who is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time.

“When I met Michael Jordan for the first time, I literally couldn’t believe it was him,” James said. “I couldn’t believe it. Like, the dude looked like Jesus Christ to me. He was Black Jesus to me. Nobody could tell me any different.”

The pair’s first meeting came when James was just a sophomore in high school, and there were high expectations for what he would become, but he had yet to prove anything in the NBA. Now, more than 20 years later, James often finds himself in the conversation for greatest of all time along with Jordan.

James explained being at a game, with Maverick Carter and another friend, and getting to meet Jordan before the game started.

“We walk upstairs, and nobody told me that Mike lifted before he played,” Jordan said. “I don’t know anything about lifting. We walk up there, first person I see is Charles Oakley… and Oak moved, and when he moves, Mike is sitting on the bench press. I was like, ‘Oh my f—ing God.’ I didn’t think he was real, man.”

James grew up watching Jordan during his prime with the Bulls, where he won six championships, and this moment was surreal.

“I didn’t think Michael Jordan was real,” James said. “I only thought he lived in the tv. And, when I saw him, I was like ‘If the man above would’ve took me that day, I would’ve lived a hell of a life.’ I swear to God.”

James now has four rings of his own to go along with four Finals MVPs, four NBA MVPs, 19 All-Star selections, and 13 All-NBA First Team selections. With this resume, it is likely that young players now have the same reaction to James that he once had to Jordan.