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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 9: Michael Jordan (Washington Wizards) #23 of the Eastern Conference All-Stars jokes with Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) #8 of the Western Conference All-Stars during the 2003 NBA All-Star Game on February 9, 2003 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images license agreement. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
via Getty
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 9: Michael Jordan (Washington Wizards) #23 of the Eastern Conference All-Stars jokes with Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) #8 of the Western Conference All-Stars during the 2003 NBA All-Star Game on February 9, 2003 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images license agreement. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
One thing about Kobe Bryant that was undeniable was his belief in himself. Whether it was on or off the court, there was no stopping Kobe. Even against his idol, that bravado was unflinching. That is how a secret meeting with Michael Jordan took a sideways turn, according to the common denominator between the two, Coach Phil Jackson.
“So, I arranged and we have a little meeting in the cigar room…Michael and I were sitting there, and Kobe walked in after his shower and the press and whatnot and he said, ‘Michael, I can take you one on one,'” Jackson, who led both MJ and the Black Mamba to multiple championships, recalled during his speech at Kobe’s statue unveiling ceremony.
As the entire crowd exploded into laughter, the reaction wasn’t a huge surprise for the people. After all, the legend of the Los Angeles Lakers precedes him. However, rather than argue, Jordan was willing to hear him out and even conceded to him. “Michael said, ‘Well, I think you might. I’m 37, you’re 22.”
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“Michael I could take you one on one.”
– Phil Jackson talks about a meeting between Kobe and Michael Jordan. 😂
(h/t @cjzero)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 9, 2024
However, Coach Jackson wasn’t the only one who came with a boatload of memories about the 5x NBA Champion. While most spoke about his basketball talent and contributions, his teammates knew what mattered the most to the Black Mamba.
Watch This Story: Ex-Lakers Star Regrets Rejecting Kobe Bryant’s Last Game Request: “I Wish I Would’ve…”
Both Derek Fisher and Shaquille O’Neal kept the perspective of the family at the forefront when talking on an emotional night.
Kobe Bryant – the Family Man
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To Bean, nothing was as important as his role as a father in the lives of his daughters. It is why his profile on every platform reads “Girl Dad”. So longtime teammate Derek Fisher wasted no time in speaking directly to his daughters present at the event.
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Laker Kobe Bryant gives teammate Derek FIsher a hug after being introduced during the championship ring ceremony at the Staples Center Tuesday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Speaking about his role as a father and the lengths he would go for them, Fish would reveal how his fatherhood qualities are what left him in awe of Kobe. Shaq, on his part, would echo what everyone was somewhere thinking. Moreover, he would also give a warm shower of love to Bryant’s family.
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On an emotional night, these stories and anecdotes were a perfect reminder of the kind of man Bryant was. Moreover, of the impact he had on the lives that he touched.
Read More: Kobe Bryant’s Former Teammate Speaks Directly to Daughters at Emotional Statue Unveiling
