Phil Jackson made an appearance on FOX Sports Live on Wednesday and discussed a lot of the stuff that basketball fans love hearing about. Like, for example, the time Kobe Bryant told Michael Jordan he could kick his ass in a game of one-on-one.
The former Los Angeles Lakers coach said Jordan had been retired for a year and came to a Lakers game. Jackson asked Jordan if he would meet in the chairman’s room after the game to chat with Kobe. Jackson said he wanted MJ to teach Kobe a little bit about patience. But as we know, nobody has to give Kobe a lesson in being confident.
“First thing Kobe says is, ‘I could kick your ass one-on-one,” Jackson recalled.
Kobe was 21 at the time and Jordan was 36. I suppose it’s possible that Kobe could beat a rusty MJ, but Jackson said he would take Jordan in a one-on-one game is both players were in their prime.
“It’s gotta be MJ,” he said. “When a guy can pick the ball up with one hand while he’s dribbling like Michael could do and take the ball to the basket, it’s very difficult.”
Ironically enough, Jordan actually said last year that he could beat LeBron James one-on-one but isn’t sure about Kobe. The reason? Kobe steals all his moves and models his game after MJ’s. It’s a fun debate that will never be settled but will always be discussed.
