Lakers’ Phil Jackson story reveals Michael Jordan’s interesting reaction to Kobe Bryant’s challenge

The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers dynasties have more than one thing in common. They’re bound by a lot of similar schemes, two tough shooting guards with a killer mentality, and Phil Jackson. Michael Jordan was always the one who never backed down from a challenge, but there was something special about Kobe Bryant that made him make a hilarious statement. The former Lakers coach revealed an interesting story via ClutchPoints during the unveiling of the Black Mamba statue.

“Michael and I were sitting there. Kobe came in from the shower. He said, ‘Michael, I can talk to you one-on-one.’ “Michael said, ‘Well, I guess you might. I’m 37, you’re 22, right?'” Phil Jackson’s revelation sent Lakers fans bursting into laughter.

Even today, Michael Jordan rarely admits that a certain player can beat him. However, he knew the Lakers legend was special. Over the next few years, he would become his big brother. The two developed a strong friendship over defensive strategies, Kobe Bryant’s fadeaway jumper and the Bulls legend’s post-retirement game.

This is where Kobe developed his teaching style. While he was still a veteran, he passed on his knowledge to other young players on the Lakers team. The great Lakers players instilled the Mamba Mentality in them so they had to put in the effort to keep him and Jordan competitive. Now, Kobe will forever be immortalized as one of the Lakers’ greatest players, with three statues.