The final text exchange between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant continues to stir emotions, even years after the tragic passing of Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. These two basketball legends, who not only dominated on the court but also developed a deep friendship, left behind a final conversation that still resonates with fans and loved ones alike.
The exchange took place on December 8, 2019, and began with Kobe expressing his admiration for Jordan’s Cincoro Tequila. “This tequila is awesome,” Kobe texted, referring to a bottle of the newly launched product that Jordan had sent to him. Jordan responded warmly, “Thank you, my brother.” From there, the conversation shifted to family, with Kobe asking about Jordan’s loved ones: “Family good?” Jordan replied, “All good. Yours?” The simplicity of the exchange reflected their close bond, built over years of mutual respect and understanding. 
As the conversation continued, Jordan, with his characteristic humor, decided to poke fun at Kobe’s new role as a coach for his daughter’s basketball team. “He was really into coaching Gigi,” Jordan explained. He then added, “Happy holidays and hope to catch up soon. Coach Kobe??!” To this, Kobe responded with a playful message: “Ah, back at you, man. Hey, coach, I’m sitting on the bench right now, and we’re blowing this team out. 45-8.” The lighthearted banter was a glimpse into Bryant’s life at the time—enjoying his role as a coach and reveling in the joy of being a father to his daughter Gianna.
Just 49 days later, on January 26, 2020, tragedy struck when Kobe and Gianna lost their lives in a helicopter crash, along with seven others, while traveling to a basketball game. This tragic loss shook Michael Jordan deeply, as he had grown close to Bryant over the years.
During Kobe’s memorial service at Staples Center in February 2020, Jordan delivered a tearful tribute to his friend, struggling to hold back his emotions. He later revealed to ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan that he could not bring himself to delete the final text exchange with Kobe from his phone. “I don’t know why, but I just can’t delete it,” Jordan admitted, highlighting the deep pain he still felt from losing his close friend.
Reflecting on their relationship, Jordan once shared that their bond evolved over time. Initially, he viewed Kobe as an “irritant,” but eventually, respect grew between them as he saw Kobe’s relentless work ethic and passion for the game. Bryant had modeled his game after Jordan, striving to be the closest thing to “His Airness,” and while Kobe may not have surpassed Jordan’s legacy, his career was nothing short of extraordinary. Bryant won five NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, an MVP award, and two scoring titles during his two-decade career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The final text exchange between Jordan and Bryant is a heartbreaking reminder of the friendship and respect between two of basketball’s greatest players, a bond that transcended the court and lives on in the memories of those who admired them both.
