LeBron James chasing Michael Jordan’s accomplishments for motivation, not greatness

By Kyle Hightower The Associated Press

8 years ago

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) points against the Boston Celtics during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) goes up for a shot against Boston Celtics’ Jae Crowder (99) during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 112-99. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ James Jones, right, and LeBron James sit on the bench against the Boston Celtics during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, right, blocks a shot by Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Friday, May 19, 2017, in Boston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James warms up befpre Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving (2)3 drives on Boston Celtics’ Jae Crowder (99) during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) defends against Boston Celtics’ Jae Crowder (99) during the second half of Game 3 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 21, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) drives on Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart (36) during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (23) brings the ball up the floor against the Boston Celtics during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals, Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 112-99. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

BOSTON — LeBron James says his chase of Michael Jordan’s accomplishments is simply personal motivation. It’s not about wanting to establish himself as the NBA’s greatest player.

James spoke Thursday during the morning shootaround before the Cavaliers play the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

He says his goal is not about passing Jordan in titles, points or MVP awards. James is 28 points shy of overtaking Jordan as the postseason’s leading scorer. But the Cavaliers superstar says his pursuit is about leaving a legacy to motivate the next generation of players.

If the Cavaliers advance Thursday, James would be making a seventh consecutive trip to the NBA Finals.