Barack Obama roasts Michael Jordan at the White House

Barack Obama is utilising his final days in the White House to take care of important business, like roasting basketball legend Michael Jordan!

On Tuesday (AEST Wednesday), Obama presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honour —to 21 generational actors, athletes, musicians, philanthropists and others from the entertainment industry during a gala ceremony at the White House.

Obama, renowned for his sense of humour, found the perfect opportunity to roast Jordan during his introductory speech (see Tweet below).

“This is a particularly impressive class. We’ve got innovators and artists, public servants, rabble rousers, athletes, renowned character actors, like the guy from Space Jam," Obama said during his opening monologue.

In other words, Obama referred to arguably the greatest basketball player in history as "the guy from Space Jam." Jordan was the star of the 1996 basketball flick "Space Jam" which is talked about to this day.

Recently, ESPN did a documentary titled "The Space Jam Game," which tells the story of Michael Jordan teaming up with Bugs Bunny & Co. against the Monstars in the movie. It can be seen here.

Apart from Jordan, Obama honoured Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, actors Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks and Robert Redford. Musicians Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross were also honoured, not to mention popular comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

During the ceremony, Jordan was seen tearing up. For years, the Michael Jordan crying meme became a sensation on social media -- to poke fun of sporting teams that suffered heart breaking, narrow defeats.

The Jordan crying meme started doing the rounds after "His Airness" teared up during his Hall of Fame acceptance speech in 2009. Obama went as far as to acknowledge the infamous meme in a rather cheeky manner.

It's no secret that Obama grew up a fan of Chicago-based sports teams. He remains an avid supporter of the Bulls, the Cubs and the Blackhawks and often tweets his displeasure when his teams fail to get the job done.

On a serious note, Obama said Jordan and other recipients of the honour had inspired future generations.

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation's highest civilian honour. It's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better.

"From scientists, philanthropists and public servants to activists, athletes and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way," the outgoing U.S. President was quoted as saying, via ESPN.

After quitting the game of basketball, Michael Jordan explored several business opportunities before winding up as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets.