Phil Jackson shares stories about Kobe Bryant at his statue ceremony | NBA on ESPN

5x NBA Champion as a coach Phil Jackson speaks at Kobe Bryant's statue unveiling ceremony.
(Courtesy: Lakers/Spectrum Sportsnet)
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[@greg2797]

Love how real this speech was. He talked about the growing pains Kobe went through and the constant battle between himself and Kobe and capped it off with a beautiful moment showing Kobe's growth. Powerful speech.

[@Mercurial.]

Indeed. Unfortunately Phil still has a sore taste of Kobe by pointing out the had a HORRIBLE GAME 7 vs Celtics with 6-24 but couldn't remember Kobe was 20 in 99 when he met Michael in that room with Phil who also forgot Kobe had 62 vs the Mavs after 3q and not 50! Phil book btw was a lot of blatant lies and demeaning words that didn't really reflect with reality on the court!

[@greg2797]

@@Mercurial. I didn’t see this as sore taste. I feel like Phil wanted to show the complete person Kobe was and show he was just that too a human. Someone who was a bit abrasive, detached from his teammates, a little selfish at times and rough around the edges. But eventually he got it together and allowed Phil to mold him as a great coach would do. And he eventually took to it and found success. I feel like this is important, Phil was talking to Kobe’s fans and admirers and kids that look up to Kobe. We sometimes end up romanticizing our favorites into these perfect people who hit the ground running, knew everything, knew how to win, did it themselves and did it their way. But the truth is important to share for those who aspire to reach the same type of success Kobe did. You will go through struggle, you will have to be able to be coachable and learn when to rail it in and not try to be a one man show all the time. You have to pick your times on when to take over. Phil and Kobe had their issues but they had been hashed it out and won 2 more rings together. This was as real as a speech could get which I appreciate

[@barrymckockinner9292]

For sure. Part of the greatness of Kobe's legacy is that we all saw him grow into the legend he is. He started when he was 18, and we saw a young man miss shots, make mistakes, and get into trouble, and we saw him grow from those experiences. That's why his death was so hard.

[@weeket804]

@@Mercurial. this guy knows what he's talking about.. especially regarding Phil's book. the guy used to trash Kobe publicly.

[@matthanneman7511]

It was a moving speech, yes.

[@cfrank777]

amazing. that last part about kobe defending morrison was powerful.

[@that1johnson]

no way he could guard morrison

[@xxfrank12]

@@that1johnsonwhat?

[@jking9301]

He also mentions right before that Kobe attended Mass. Kobe becoming a stronger Catholic man was the turning point in his life. Actually, I believe Gonzaga might be a Catholic school. Is that where Morrison went? Maybe I’m trippin.

[@enzoparadiser]

now i somebody give us the link of that jay leno interview

[@user-mm3qe4si8m]

@@enzoparadisersearch “Jimmy Kimmel Adam Morrison”

[@bumperthumper8641]

sasha in the crowd holding back tears man. rip kobe

[@bullshark3000]

soft

[@olivercool2308]

@@bullshark3000not as soft as your moms coochie

[@LorenzoFrausto]

@@bullshark3000 your comment is soft lol

[@biskaye]

​@@bullshark3000. U a robot if you wouldn't shed a tear if someone close to you died in a freak accident.

[@patitoduck123]

Time stamp?

[@john1023va]

I love how real Phil was speaking. No formalities, no hype, no pandering to the crowd, just stories that he kept in his heart.

[@gdc6153]

Killed my guy Jalen Rose tho😂

[@johntran9193]

It's so real when Phil speaks. When Hamburger talks, all I hear is excuses, blame, lies, denial, next men up, next play mentality😂🤣🤣blah blah blah

[@gdc6153]

@johntran9193 who's hamburger?

[@hiamaraldvaan7221]

He sounds like arnold

[@clutch7548]

@@johntran9193Phil had to say the same media stuff as coach. He did 1000 conferences, most were boring

[@r.m.90]

Jerry West is still broken about Kobe's death 😢

[@decoratellc2711]

Thought I was the only one that saw it.

[@HimizwhoIbe]

He said on tnt after Kobes death that he didn't think he'd ever get over it. He obviously having a difficult time here. 🙏🏾to Mr West

[@gdc6153]

Who isn't?

[@bullshark3000]

soft

[@Mercurial.]

A disgrace that Mr West wasn't up there at the podium after EVERYTHING he's done for the Lakers. Jeanie is really a douche horrible owner!

[@kyleclark4650]

Phil Jackson has had so many legendary moments in the NBA. Just imagine being at the bar with MJ and Kobe walks in. Coached the 2 best of all time and 3 peated with both. Great stories!!

[@user-vs8et8gk5s]

Would love to see this moment captured in a painting

[@MichaelSevilla97]

​@@user-vs8et8gk5sfor sure surprised there isn't one by now

[@4enoyrevetv862]

And won as a player for the Knicks.

[@markozbunjol625]

Kobe is great but he is outside top 10, Shaq is won three rings as main guy.

[@heinzwilhelmguderian1373]

The two best of all time? BWAHHHHHHHHHHH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!; good joke😢

[@ciarrajohnson3849]

Phil Jackson’s headstone: “I had Mike & Kobe. My GOD is good….”♥️♥️

[@jumpinjohnnyruss]

Stop trying to claim people for your own religion.

[@brianpearis9733]

Jerry West still is heartbroken over Kobe

[@drphot6050]

Forever he was like a son to him

[@wizemind7130]

Yea man. He seen the light in Kobe before anybody else

[@KobieeBryant]

That’s the man who traded for em and told SHAQ can’t get u the money but I just got a 17 year old kid that’s gone win u a chip SHAQ signed and we have a three peat later Kobedagoat

[@nobnoba]

WOW. He spoke like a proud father. hes not speaking of Kobe's achievement, but he end it with Kobe personal growth as a human being.

[@wallyvee3039]

"That's when I was proudest of Kobe" Dammmmmmm I'm dead inside

[@loverofhumanity]

Bro i can't lie this is one of the best speeches I've ever heard. I had tears in my eyes at the end. The way he led up to that ending and how the proudest moment of Kobe wasn't what anyone else really appreciated about him. You know what it is? I think it was about showing appreciation to Kobe and who he became as a person rather than kobe the player. Amazing

[@The_Bigot]

Saying you’re dead inside means you don’t have empathy. Pretty much the opposite of what you mean.

[@whyamisoselfish]

thanks for being a smartass it was really needed in this setting@@The_Bigot

[@krazy93650]

think about it most head coaches try and teach you about life not just basketball so ya see kobe open up relax and not shut people out

[@michaelfallona1213]

I remember when he joined Team USA & the Redeem Team. I was so relieved because I knew he wasn’t going to let them miss that gold medal. He was a star amongst stars.

[@rodolforodriguez7058]

When Phil talks, everyone listens! I'm from Chicago, and we all love this legend! What a speech, all respect!

[@mielbaltazar5099]

Kobe defending Adam Morrison showed how powerful that moment was. Anyways, why is Shaq not there? I always appreciate Pau Gasol. He is truly a real brother to Kobe showing up to everything about Kobe and for his family

[@lucasmichaels2204]

TNT coverage

[@curiosityredpill7030]

TNT

[@jimmyrodriguez5670]

Shaq hated Kobe until he realized that telling the fans they were friends would be beneficial to him.

[@TMthe33rd]

​@@jimmyrodriguez5670 brother he's working on TNT covering NBA games He even do an eulogy on Kobe

[@jimmyrodriguez5670]

@@TMthe33rd Of course he does a eulogy. whatever makes him look good. They never even talked. He didn't even have Kobe's number.

[@cryptodeity]

That Adam Morrison part hit hard for some reason…

[@jking9301]

Morrison went to Gonzaga, a Catholic university. Kobe was a Catholic and attended Mass the morning he died. Phil even mentions Kobe attending Mass and him them realizing Kobe was working to be better. He could have been supporting his Catholic brother in that moment. And maybe you felt that type of way so that I write you this message and you contemplate these ideas. God has a plan for your life, and maybe it involved Kobe Bean Bryant himself. Beautiful.

[@jking9301]

Bro, can you let me know if you see my message. It seems KZbin is hiding it. Wild, but not surprising. Never mind, I see it now.

[@g..._anthony27]

​@@jking9301 🍪🍪🍪

[@ultimatelv27]

most definitely...

[@keyballa]

Yea it showed Kobe’s growth as a leader

[@uscgbmcmretired2490]

13 NBA Championships total for Phil Jackson! Coached 2 of the 3 Best NBA Dynasties ever including my 2 favorite players in MJ & Kobe! Phil had a gift for getting the most out of his players!

[@jjll988]

man, it is just too hard for me as a fan of Kobe. After these years, I am still having tears in my eye every time hearing Legend's speech about Kobe. RIP.

[@JNovoa-cu4pv]

Great to see Vanessa smiling, my heart goes out to Jerry West, man is still hurting.

[@tagamial]

The jokes will never end for Jalen Rose .

[@Whereismyball]

And jalen is big enough to take it everytime

[@gdc6153]

😂😂😂

[@bigwhitedwarf]

it wasn’t really Jalen alone guarding kobe that night. oh well, i think jalen is quite happy to be part of history.

[@mterencio22]

Jalen Rose purposely injured Kobe during the 3 peat years. If you understand Kobe, scoring 81 on Rose and the Raptors was his get back.

[@apolloc3131]

​@@bigwhitedwarfno he's not but clearly Phil knew he was gonna get cooked. Hence the game plan to put him 1v1 vs Kob

[@KripThaDon]

"Legends never die"

[@mbourne16]

The last story about Kobe sticking up for his teammate Adam Morrison hit

[@drphot6050]

Many people love when Black men make them feel protected... Just another reason why we deserve Reparations!

[@ignoblesavage5559]

​@drphot6050 you can remove the descriptor "black" and it's just as true, sir. Maybe all men should get reparations? Nope, nevermind. Between "toxic masculinity" & the so-called fact that white men are evil, I guess we all just deserve to continue to be shat upon.

[@Soulspeak24]

@@drphot6050😂hahahaha

[@morjo619sd]

Like a proud father. His boys in the crowd - all grown now - all of them listening intently. But the one he most wanted to see there was our hero Kobe. Beautiful speech Coach😢

[@Jp2timezz]

Greatest Basketball Coach Of All Time Not Even Close💯🐐

[@jimmyrodriguez5670]

I disagree. Definitely close. I got Pop right up there, if not higher.

[@Jp2timezz]

@@jimmyrodriguez5670 na

[@jessesarabia5060]

@@jimmyrodriguez567011 beats 5

[@melvinhhcp3615]

​@@jimmyrodriguez5670Pop never repeated, let alone 3peated in 2 different decades.

[@1990758]

He passed away long time ago.

[@lauraung6440]

Had me in tears on Adam Morrison story I’m crying with joy

[@scottgollahon3681]

That was PHENOMENAL RIP MAMBA & GIGI

[@sampson1980]

i love kobe. im 43 an grew up watching jordan. when kobe came i seen mike in a different form. he was a different breed, i love hearing the stories that show it ♥

[@soappreneur291]

Kobe’s parents gave birth to a beautiful child and raised a great son. Hope they are healing and coping. ❤🖤

[@davidsyked9420]

How could anyone forget Kobe being in the GOAT conversation

[@itssandrew]

The media

[@mrbp3351]

Sasha in tears after that Kobe/Adam story ... 😭😭

[@MEDspiration]

That Adam Morrison comment brought me to tears. So glad to see the zen master mention that was the moment he was most proud of Kobe. Watching Mamba grow to trust & value each of his teammates taught me so much about the growth mindset & leadership, it truly helped me become the man I am today. RIP Bean, your legacy & the mamba mentality lives through us now 🧠🐍♾️

[@ChevyChapo]

Still tons of tears for KOB. Cant hold them back

[@Jessie-uc5ox]

I like how Phil just doesn’t talk about Kobe but also highlights the great things his teammates did for the team. He’s always been the guy who makes sure everyone is acknowledged. I love Phil. Seeing him with a cane is sad because it means he’s getting old. 😢

[@user-vs8et8gk5s]

Growing old is privilege denied to many...

[@loverofhumanity]

Agree. I think it's also why he's a great coach. Great coaches pay attention to the roles and impacts guys have that ain't always recognized by casuals or even other players.

[@user-qq5ze8nl2h]

I love Kobe Bryant he was my favorite basketball player of all time he inspired me to be a better father. My love and condolences go out to the Bryant family prayers

[@samp7412]

What Phil is trying to explain here is a big lesson of what greatness truly is. He knew a young hot shot Kobe and slowly watched him become the true “captain” and leader of the team by the end of his speech. A young hot shot who only cared about watching film, winning and improving his game. “I should be the captain now” basing that solely by his pure skill and a I want it more than everyone else mentality. Becomes the true Captain at the end of the speech when he defends his teammate who never even played. He proved to Phil that he could become a true leader over time. Excellent speech and lesson. RIP Goat.

[@JudgeDredd_]

Man. What a speech. Kobe forever

[@CESAR-io6ob]

Beautiful speech coach! So real! Respect to the greatest coach of all time. Phil Jackson coached the best two shooting guards of all time. "Tha Goat & 2-8-24."

[@holymackenaw]

Every sentence in this speech shows you why Phil was such a great coach. He understands people, groups, basketball and time. Just saying "... and Jalen Rose." made me feel great.

[@darthjames3712]

Phil Jackson will always be my favorite coach because his leadership

[@user-iw2nh7gl1g]

As was said what a great speech by Phil. A true mentor to Kobe not just for basketball but in life as well. You really get to see in the video how Much Phil respected Kobe for his talent as a player and as a person. Man the basketball talent in that room! RIP Mamba.

[@DiezelUp1876]

Still cant believe hes gone. Love phil and how he can get ppl to ply together no matter what age. Hes a true mastermind. Not all coaches knows how to do this. Its not just being a coach.

[@suavemente236]

Chills and tears !

[@ronniegraves2]

Beautiful speech Phil. Absolutely beautiful had me tearing up the whole time.

[@Dre-xc2no]

Their relationship during the second stint, was so much more interesting. I got the sense from Kobe, that they had formed more of a personal relationship. That's what I wish Phil would've spoken more about.

[@JF238xCreatingABetterFuture]

The world appreciates greatness even more when the legends pass away because their influence was so strong on everyone. Mamba Mentality Forever 💯

[@miketrubs]

RIP. Mamba forever. Watching Kobe and the Lakers saved my life.

[@pauljwwalker3897]

Phil had Kobe and MJ, Legends never die thank you Phil for the great stories :)

[@americusdeville865]

All the speeches were excellent in the statue ceremony for Kobe. Very inspirational and insightful.

[@MDR1168]

Beautiful speech. Loved the ending that said a lot about Kobe. RIP

[@sovereignruler]

I remember seeing a short video clip of Kobe when he was at Lower Merrion and my first impression was that he was going to be a great player. When the Charlotte Hornets traded him (13th pick) to the LA Lakers for Vlade Divac, I became an instant Laker fan. There was a lot of things going on behind the scene: bringing in Phil and Shaq. We ended up winning 3 in a row and Kobe would go on to win two more, one short of the great Michael Jordan. Sometimes a special talent comes along and you can't help but notice the genius of their work, their tireless commitment to the craft, their commitment to become the best version of themselves day in and day out. Kobe was in that rarified small group of players. I'm just lucky that I had the privilege to see him play. God be with you my friend. As you can see, your efforts have not gone unnoticed. RIP!!

[@rmsamonte]

I tell you, it's so hard to watch these videos and not tear up. Brings both joy and sadness.

[@flow2speak88]

I am so happy he spoke. This has me tearing up man.. thank you Phil 💜💛❤️‍🩹

[@Dan.yy_]

Had to come rewatch 🥹

[@AVOWIRENEWS]

What an incredible moment this must have been! The bond between a coach and player, especially one as iconic as Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant, is truly special. It's always fascinating to hear stories from those who have witnessed greatness firsthand. Kobe's legacy on and off the court continues to inspire so many people around the world. It's moments like these, remembering and celebrating his journey and achievements, that remind us of the impact he had not only on basketball but on sports as a whole. 🏀✨

[@ATOMedward]

The Adam Morrison story at the end is one of the first new stories I have heard. So glad he chose to speak on the human being Kobe had grown into. We all know how great he was on the floor.

[@patogonzalez69]

What a beautiful family he has... Not just physically.... poised, elegant etc

[@Yibrown371]

When we lost Kobe I felt like I did when I lost my Dad's and Uncles. RIP God's

[@user-ob6km2iu6q]

Good Night R.I.P Mamba For Ever Great Statue 😢😢

[@kashmoney1]

Those on the most realest stories I ever heard❤

[@kobekobe1237]

Ohh kobe i still cant believe that you were gone... You were the reason why i fell in love to the game. I wish i could bring back time and watch you play live but I can't and never really have an opportunity to do so even if you we're still alive. Rest in Peace kobe

[@tommyguntunechi8124]

The whole world misses you and your sweet little girl.🕊🕊

[@timv778]

That is a real man right there. As much as we love Kobe. This man helped create that Kobe we love. Thank you Phil

[@onlyunopooh]

Phil come back we need you as a COACH!!!

[@1990758]

He would never have come back and Coach this current laker.

[@weeket804]

Phil can barely walk right now

[@johntran9193]

I wish. Instead, we have a moron coach who only knows: next men up, next play mentality, lock in, lock out😂🤣🤣🤣... blah blah blah

[@The.Original.Potatocakes]

Let him smoke his weed and ride into the sunset.

[@onlyunopooh]

@@The.Original.Potatocakes FAXTS 🤣🤣

[@tylerm993]

Honestly I'm shocked I still get emotional over this. That was my hero man. I never looked up to my step dad. I admired Kobe.

[@usa_first23]

Phil Jackson = The Goat 🐐

[@tankeater]

60 points in 3 quarters... But Phill has a lot of amazing Basketball to remember 🤘.

[@KobieeBryant]

Phill told Kobe I’m sitting you because some records aren’t ment to be broken Kobe was going for 100 and phill knew it

[@jcmac3157]

Congratulations to the GOAT Kobe! Rest easy.. along with Gigi and the amazing folks that passed on. 🎉❤

[@theprocessss]

Greatest coach ever

[@Dixon_Cider407]

Popovich

[@Sam-ji1fu]

​@@Dixon_Cider407 u wish

[@jacobesau9289]

phil jackson and pop had 5 series against each other and phil won 4 of them bro.@@Dixon_Cider407

[@PapatotSports]

Great Speech Coach Phil May You Rip Kobe

[@jonjonharreld7602]

Beautiful Speech...One Love Fam.

[@backyardadvocate9377]

Bravo, Coach Jackson! Your memories of Kobe were special…and no-frills. Being old enough to remember the old peach basket behind the bleachers at Springfield College field house, loving the game, and certain it kept thousands of us from ‘on the cusp-delinquency’, it’s a sweet pleasure to take a few hours each week to drop a few ‘tre’s. On those days when the meniscus is quiet and a pick-up needs one more, I que up a sample of Big Pun’… “I’m not a playah, I just crush a lot,…,” do my best K.C.Jones, and pretend ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, is whistlin’ through that old field house on Friday night.

[@MaceSentinelGhost141]

This Makes Me Feel Do Take Life For Granted Kobe And All 7 people Was an Is Loved ❤❤❤❤ Forever Its Definitely Gonna Be Kobe Movie In The Future About Kobe it’s Gonna Be Incredible

[@johntran9193]

The Goat hands down. Miss him as our Lakers coach. With him I feel like we always have a chance to win it all. With Hamburger, I know that we might be swept in any playoff series.

[@Wedonewit2020bball]

Jordan the goat but I feel you

[@aquabomber]

This coach is so real. I felt as if I was o. Their team being a fan during that time.

[@pisathongsonlone3935]

We always talk Goat when it comes to players in the league but no one talks about the coach and that man right there the great Phil Jackson the Goat! Rest in heaven mamba we miss you

[@davidparra6787]

MJ and Kobe, everyone else !

[@KobieeBryant]

I got a tier and u gotta add Duncan and wilt to that tier Kobe, mike, wilt, Duncan

[@rsb512]

Never saw this before from Big Chief Triangle. Absolutely incredible and it choked me up. It was nice to see beautiful Vanessa Bryant enjoying the ceremony. It had to be so hard on her losing Kobe but especially Gianna.

[@ktmtxt]

Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. What an ICONIC trio. The way Phil lead the obsessed geniuses to success. Absolute cinema.

[@leonblack751]

He'll yeah Phil is the man.Mamba Forever.

[@aclasscali]

Adam Morrison was one of the smartest NBA players, participated in NBA for couple of years saved all his earnings and living off his investments.

[@tallmandingo22]

Read up on Jamal Mashburn

[@aclasscali]

@@tallmandingo22 yes, jamal would be an example of established NBA player, later successful businessman.

[@craigbagley4893]

I loved seeing all the former teammates/coaches. Byron Scott was a teammate Kobe's rookie year and a coach. Great to see Pau, great to see Lamar, everybody. Mamba RIP.

[@JV-fj7nv]

The best coach to ever do it, he molded 2 great teams, and had 2 of the best players 👏

[@JoeGain-pk3vz]

Phil getting old makes me sad seeing it ,he's the reason I became a lakers fan which led me to being a huge kobe fan ,shout out lakers and kobe bean

[@Josh2cold_]

My🐐Kobe bean Bryant! Top 3 ever hands down💯

[@taylorwright1735]

Miss.u so much

[@zekelucente9702]

I used to love staying at The Benson Hotel in Portland and the Gaucho Steakhouse that was attached to the lobby. So cool to know the Lakers stayed there.

[@jking9301]

Kobe heading to Mass and becoming a stronger Catholic man was the cause of his improving as a person. Just the truth, even if the world refuses to acknowledge it.

[@OnlyMusicExclusives]

Absolutely 💯

[@obitoxshinobi8978]

I cry bc Kobe my idol💜💛

[@DadefreshXL]

😭😭😭u and me both

[@obitoxshinobi8978]

@@DadefreshXL thinking about it I think about how he died brutal way😢

[@bullshark3000]

soft

[@obitoxshinobi8978]

@@bullshark3000 lebum lost bc he didny attend kobe statue😂

[@1990758]

My idol is god.

[@JDJ98]

This is was amazing

[@mral6809]

The most underrated Coach ever. He didn't only coach the most amazing teams but inspired the greatest basketball players to be better on the court and off the court. Every player that has been coached by this man this testament to his ability.

[@mrflygeek]

What makes you think he’s underrated??? SMH

[@mral6809]

@@mrflygeek leading by example with a gentle hand doesn't make you the loudest person or the person fighting for air time. When he came to the Bulls Chicago was suspicious and didn't understand why didn't coach become more emotional about his losses or HIS team not performing. Once the Bulls looked like a team and no longer the bad boy out for their own devices made it clear to everyone that he was what we needed. Jordan, Pippen and receive all the credit but it was Phil that won 5 with the Lakers which had the same problem as the Bulls (great players but no team). Jerry Krause underrated him thinking that he could replace him and there wouldn't be consequences. Until the whole team and Chicago stood behind Phil Jackson is when Jerry told Chicago and the Bulls team to go F'bomb themselves. Chicago responded by booing his funeral and every day he showed his face in public events.

[@HadiMohammed]

still broken about Kobe's death... thanks @Phil for giving us the best show of our time

[@firstonegaming3981]

Greatest NBA Basketball coach!

[@kt-wt8pl]

And that’s the highest compliment one man can give another man

[@DarshawnZGlynn4]

One mamba mentality Forever

[@jorexthox4330]

💯% perfect speech 💬😁

[@papacarzzi]

We are all still broken about Kobe’s passing.

[@elpidiocainagiii2086]

That’s heart warming

[@michaelsoriano4082]

What a speech

[@Azidonis]

I still miss Kobe. The GOAT.

[@arielaustria8-587]

Love 24 legend

[@ControllerLyfe]

beautiful

[@Dobrulez70]

Kobe Stories are the Best