When Will Smith opened up on Michael Jordan's competitive nature, 4 years back: "Mike will compete with anything... Like we're drinking water, Mike will be like, 'I'll race you'"

Michael Jordan's competitive nature followed him outside the basketball world. One of his good friends, Hollywood actor Will Smith, has spoken about Jordan's competitive mentality.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live a few years back, Smith revealed his equation with the former Chicago Bulls superstar and how competitive he was outside of sports, saying:

"We're friendly. We've hung out a few times."

The show's host, Jimmy Kimmel, asked Smith what it was like hanging out with Jordan, to which the Academy Award winner replied:

"It's like just like a competition. Let me tell you, Mike [Jordan] and Tiger [Woods] are the two most competitive people I've ever met on Earth."

Will Smith further described Michael Jordan's competitiveness by giving various examples. He also poked fun at the five-time MVP, saying he doesn't compete when he knows he won't win.

"Mike will compete with anything, though. Like we're drinking water, Mike will be like, 'I'll race you.' You can't beat Mike at anything... If he can't beat you he's not gon' play."

According to Smith, his friendship with Jordan goes way back. They've known each other since the former burst onto the scene starring as a fictionalized version of himself on the NBC sitcom, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Jordan was with the Bulls at the time and led them to multiple championships.

The conversation he had with Jimmy Kimmel started with a throwback picture of Michael Jordan and Will Smith at the Chicago Stadium, which was clicked about 25 years ago per the latter. Jordan had attended one of Smith's concerts.

Will Smith on Michael Jordan's mindset propelling him to win at the highest level

Michael Jordan's competitive fire and winning mentality were crucial ingredients to his success. His close ones and rivals were aware of it. Will Smith outlined that Jordan's mindset was perpetually about being competitive, which is why he was able to win at the top level.

Jordan took that mentality to a whole new level, where he sought after challenges, especially on the basketball court. Being able to win six championships in a decade and record two three-peats in the process is a testament to his greatness and winning mentality.

MJ's success outside of basketball is also phenomenal. Since retiring, Jordan has thrived as a businessman through various ventures. He also owns an NBA franchise. Despite earning less than $100 million during his NBA career as a player, MJ has managed to become a billionaire. Not only that, but he has become the richest former athlete in the world.

It further shows that his competitive nature has helped him become the best in every field, making him the icon he is known to be globally.