Obama sings the praises of Lebron James in interview with Barkley

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Miami Heat star LeBron James "has a chance" to be as good as anyone who ever played the game, U.S. President Barack Obama said in a taped TV interview.

Obama -- speaking with TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley -- said he is "a Chicago guy" with a soft spot for former Bulls' star Michael Jordan, but gave King James a hearty endorsement as well.

"In terms of every aspect of the game, LeBron has a chance to be as good as anybody," the president said.

He said one factor James, 29, has in his favor is that he is still playing and has the opportunity to add to his skills and overall body of work.

"When you look at him, you think he might be able to play at a high level for another seven, eight, 10 years," Obama said.

The Hill noted that Obama has met James in person when the Miami Heat visited the White House and came away impressed.

"When you are standing next to him, and then you watch him close up, I've never seen somebody that size, that fast, who can jump that high, who is that strong, who has that much basketball savvy all in one package," Obama said.

The interview is to air Sunday during the NBA All-Star Game telecast.