Michael Jordan Shares Last Text Message Exchange With Kobe Bryant

Michael Jordan Shares Last Text Message Exchange With Kobe Bryant

Legendary basketball player Michael Jordan recently revealed he still has the final text message sent to him from Kobe Bryant. He admitted he occasionally retrieves it, even though it resurfaces his grief and triggers the urge to ask the question, “why?”

In January 2020, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, six other companions, and a pilot, tragically lost their lives prematurely in a helicopter crash that shook this nation to the core. As Kobe Bryant’s mentor, friend, and confidant, Michael Jordan was selected by Kobe Bryant’s family to serve as Kobe’s presenter for his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday [May 14th].

In an ESPN report, Jordan acknowledged his concerns about how he’ll be able to maintain his composure during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony with the lingering grief he continues to feel. He stated:

“I was thinking, at first, I might be a little somewhat nervous about it, but then I realized I’m not going to be nervous about showing emotions for someone I absolutely loved.”

Kobe was comfortably settling into the post-retirement life with a focus on spending quality time with his family, curating and developing his entertainment company, coaching, and basketball-related business ventures.

Michael Jordan had this to say:

“He was just so happy. He was doing so well.”

While speaking to ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, Jordan shared the contents of the final thread of text messages that he and Kobe exchanged in December of 2019. Kobe began the text thanking Jordan for a bottle of Cincoro Tequila. The two friends then exchanged pleasantries before Jordan teased Bryant about his youth basketball-coaching aspirations. Jordan said,

“Kobe was really into coaching Gigi, so I hit him up about that.”

His text to Kobe read,

“Happy holidays, and hope to catch up soon. Coach Kobe??!”

Jordan said:

“I added that little crying/laughing emoji.” 

Kobe replied:

“Ah, back at you, man. Hey, coach, I’m sitting on the bench right now, and we’re blowing this team out. 45-8.” 

Jordan continued to say:

“I just love that text, because it shows Kobe’s competitive nature.”

For the Class of 2020, Kobe is one of nine basketball legends who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this weekend.

What do you think about Michael Jordan saving the last messages Kobe sent him? Comment below and share your thoughts!