It's one of the big sporting questions of our times debated in bars across the world: Is LeBron James better than Michael Jordan?
Now a two-time NBA champion has waded into the debate and dubbed Jordan a "far superior player".
"When people start comparing him with Jordan then that's not a fair comparison. Jordan was a far more superior player in a very tough league, he was very creative," former Houston Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon told CNBC's Worldwide Exchange.
"That's not taking away anything from LeBron because he is a great player but it is not a fair comparison because Jordan is a far superior player."
Jordan, who made his name at the Chicago Bulls, is a six time NBA champion and has been crowned most valuable player (MVP) five times. In comparison, James, who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is a two-time NBA champion and has four MVP awards to his name.
Supporting the Knicks
Olajuwon made the comments ahead of the game between the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks to be held in London as the NBA continues to expand its international presence.
America's National Football League (NFL) has also been bringing an increasing number of games to the U.K. as the country's sports continue to grow in popularity across the Atlantic.
Read MoreLeBron James: Basketball star, economic booster
Tickets for the NBA game sold out in record time, but Olajuwon said that it would be difficult to play regular games in the U.K.
"They talk about it but logistically I don't know how that would work. For the East coast team I could see that but for the West Coast to travel, I think that might be very complicated," he said.
As well as the popularity in the U.K. the former basketball star said China was the NBA's fastest growing market, but suggested a surprising choice for where the next franchise could come from.
"NBA has done a fantastic job connecting the Chinese audience to the NBA basketball. They have done that and they will continue to grow. But to have a franchise there ... maybe Mexico."
And as for who he is supporting tonight: "I think I will be rooting for the Knicks because they need all the help they can get just to cheer them up."