When Phil Jackson gave brutally honest answer about Michael Jordan's Bulls' chances against Shaquille O'Neal's Lakers
After winning six championships with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, Phil Jackson quickly accomplished another three-peat with the LA Lakers. When forced to choose between the two iconic teams, the legendary coach did not hold back with his true thoughts.
During the 1990's, the Bulls had a vice grip on the NBA. Even with MJ retiring for a brief stretch, they managed to win six titles in that decade. Following his time in Chicago, Jackson was fortunate enough to find himself coaching another team with multiple all-time talents. With Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal at the helm, the Lakers accomplished a three-peat of their own.
Back in the 2000's, Jackson was asked how a hypothetical matchup between Michael Jordan's Bulls and Shaq's Lakers would fare. He admitted that Chicago would have troubles, but did mention they did take down the dominant center earlier in his career.
"Very difficult for that team," Jakcson said of the Bulls. "We did beat Orlando with Shaq, swept them."
"It would be very difficult."
Jackson is referring to the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals when MJ and the Bulls got revenge on Shaq. The year prior, the young and energetic Orlando Magic managed to take down the Bulls in the semifinal round before eventually losing in the finals.
Phil Jackson gives key difference between Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal
Before having to make a choice between their two teams, Phil Jackson was asked about Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal as individuals. He credited both stars for being phenomenal talents but brought up one key difference between the two.
At the start of the interview, Bob Castas brought up that Shaq's dominance might give him a slight edge over MJ in terms of building a contender. Jackson agreed to some degree, saying that having a center like him out there always gives the offense a mismatch.
"The reality is that Shaq is so dominant you always have an overmatch," Jackson said. "You can always draw a double-team, you can almost always get a shot for somebody."
While continuing his thoughts on the topic, Jackson touched on one advantage Michael Jordan has over Shaq. That being that he is a frontcourt player. As a guard, MJ could bring the ball up the floor and create for himself or others. Meanwhile, Shaq has to rely on a perimeter player to get him the ball down low.
"The drawback about that is he has to have the ball put in his hands," Jackson continued. "Whereas Michael can get it and take it 90 feet and develop something from within that."
Despite their differences in style, both superstars had a lot of success under Jackson. They are also a big reason why the Hall of Fame coach has 11 championships on his resumé.