NBA legend Phil Jackson explains why Kobe Bryant surpassed Michael Jordan in one key area

NBA legend Phil Jackson is widely regarded as one of the greatest head coaches in league history. He won 11 NBA championships while coaching superstars like Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan. That’s why, when he weighs in on the GOAT debate or anything related, his opinion carries serious weight.

Having coached the best of the best in Jordan and Bryant, Jackson is well positioned to highlight what set them apart. Both players won championships and posted legendary stats, but according to Jackson, there’s one key area where Bryant had the edge over MJ.

Speaking on the Gimme The Hot Sauce podcast two years ago, Jackson pointed to Bryant’s mastery of the Triangle Offense as a defining difference. “He was the focal point, and it was easy to get him involved in that. He feasted on it and was always a proponent of it,” Jackson said.

Jackson added, “But we had to use a variety of actions that created opportunities because the game changed.” With that, he emphasized Bryant’s impact on the Lakers teams of the 2000s, highlighting how the five-time champion led Los Angeles to back-to-back titles in that era.

NBA legend Phil Jackson.

Jackson reflects on Kobe Bryant’s evolution

Over the years, Bryant’s style of play became increasingly effective, playing a key role in the Lakers’ success. Reflecting on that period, Phil Jackson shared his thoughts on the moment when Kobe proved he had transformed into a different kind of player in the NBA.

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“Kobe started out as a guard who facilitated the offense, and he figured it out because he was a brilliant basketball mind,” Jackson said. “He liked playing that role. Eventually, he transitioned to the Michael Jordan wing position, where he did most of his scoring later in his career.“

Jackson’s insights on Bryant’s evolution, and how he handled egos within the team, proved crucial during his second stint as Lakers head coach. With a legendary career on the sidelines, Jackson’s vision and leadership helped shape the direction of the NBA in the years that followed.

Jackson on Bryant’s unique perspective

Thanks to the strong bond forged between Jackson and Bryant, the Hall of Fame coach revealed a unique quality Kobe displayed throughout his career with the Lakers. According to Jackson, Bryant had an ability to perceive things that others couldn’t, something that set him apart from the rest.

“You know how they say dogs can see things humans can’t? Kobe was kind of like my little pocket bully,” Jackson said. “He’d be growling at the staircase, and I’d be looking up like, ‘What’s he seeing?’ Then I’d start thinking, what if there really is something there?”