The final text messages between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan were exchanged on December 8, 2019 — seven weeks before the helicopter crash that killed Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others.
Prior to the induction of the late basketball star into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Jordan recalled to ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan his last text message exchange with Bryant.
“This tequila is awesome,” Bryant 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?” Bryant replied.
“All good. Yours?” Jordan asked.
“All good.” Bryant wrote.
MJ went on to share a separate conversation he later had with Bryant, explaining, “He was really into coaching Gigi, so I hit him up about that.”
“Happy holidays,” Jordan texted. “and hope to catch up soon. Coach Kobe??!”
“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.”
On Saturday (May 15), Bryant will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Jordan and Bryant's wife, Vanessa Bryant, will speak in Bryant's honor.
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