Phil Jackson asked Jordan to play a 1-on-1 vs Kobe at Lakers Practice

Phil Jackson, one of the greatest coaches in NBA history, won an impressive 11 championships in just 20 seasons with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. He was blessed to coach some of the game's all-time greats, including Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, both of whom never won a title without Jackson at the helm.

Friend of MJ and former NFL player Ahmad Rashad once witnessed a memorable conversation between Jackson, Jordan, and Bryant. According to Rashad, Jackson asked Jordan to come to a Lakers practice and even suggested the two play 1-on-1 with each other.

Kobe was eager for the challenge and the two had a back and forth, with Jordan later remarking on the respect he had for Bryant.

While Kobe and Jordan never faced off in a 1-on-1, Rashad did have the chance to play against MJ once. Rashad, who was also a broadcaster and close friend of Jordan, asked for a game, but was dominated by Jordan, who didn't even allow Rashad to dribble the ball.


This intense competitiveness was typical of Jordan, and it's safe to say Kobe would have brought the same level of intensity to a 1-on-1 against MJ.

It's a shame we never got to see these two legends go head-to-head in their prime, but their legacies and relationship with Phil Jackson will forever be remembered in NBA history.