Photo Credit: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
Michael Jordan Shares His Final Text Exchange With Kobe Bryant Ahead Of Hall Of Fame Induction
It is no secret that Kobe Bryant, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020 molded his own game around Michael Jordan, perfecting his moves, taking on the same persona, studying every single aspect of his game, mirroring his killer mentality – Bryant obviously was more than just a copy of Jordan, but watching him on the court was truly reminiscent of the Bulls legend.
This greatness and the mutual respect for one another is what brought the two legends close. We all remember Jordan’s tearful speech at Bryant’s memorial service, and we’re awaiting another great speech as Vanessa Bryant chose Jordan to present Kobe at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony this coming weekend.
Ahead of the Hall of Fame festivities, Jordan shared the last text exchange he had with Bryant, saying that he now appreciates every nuance of their final conversation.
Per ESPN:
“This tequila is awesome,” Kobe texted, referring to Jordan’s Cincoro Tequila, a bottle of which was sent to Bryant at the launch.
“Thank you, my brother,” Jordan responded.
“Yes, sir. Family good?” Kobe replied.
“All good. Yours?”
“All good.”
Jordan smiled, then decided to have a little fun. “He was really into coaching Gigi,” MJ explains, “so I hit him up about that.”
“Happy holidays,” Jordan texted back, “and hope to catch up soon. Coach Kobe??!”
“I added that little crying/laughing emoji,” Jordan chuckles.
“Ah, back at you, man,” Kobe wrote. “Hey, coach, I’m sitting on the bench right now, and we’re blowing this team out. 45-8.”
Eleven days following that exchange, Bryant learned he had been officially nominated for the Hall of Fame as a first-ballot entry. Forty-nine days later, he was gone.
“I just love that text,” Jordan says, “because it shows Kobe’s competitive nature.”
