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John Salley Explains Difference Between Jordan And Bryant; Reveals Lakers Were Way Cheaper Than Bulls

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Vishwesha Kumar | Last updated 5/23/24

John Salley, a former NBA player who had the unique experience of playing with both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, shared his insights on the differences between the two legends and how the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers treated their players. Speaking on the "Gils Arena" show, Salley highlighted the stark contrast in the experiences with both teams and the personalities of the two superstars.

"The difference was when you were in Chicago, I was with the Beatles, I was with Elvis, I was with Michael Jackson, and I was with the Pope. When I got on the Bulls and we were staying at the Plaza in New York, everybody was like, he was going to dinner."

"I said, I'm not leaving my room. Are you kidding me? You know how long it take me to get to the Plaza?"

"Now you guys, you know, take it for granted, but it was crazy that we had a plane that had a bar in the middle of it. We had the old MGM plane. We had security... Michael Jordan securities used to fly on his jet land and meet our jet."

"Now being on being with Kobe it was different because I got to go to dinner with him. We go to TGI Fridays. There's nobody really going, 'Oh, Kobe, Kobe, Kobe', because he's only 19, 20. But then he grew into that, what he, what he became. By the time I got to Michael, Michael was already, he was, you know, the, your Highness."

"The difference is Michael is tied and Kobe is tied Evergreen. It is not that much different. The Lakers were way cheaper than the Bulls, which is almost impossible. Like the Bulls had three massage therapists, a swimming pool to train in, four trainers, strength coach.

"They fired the massage therapist I bought into the Lakers... I kept saying I said to Phil I said 'I'm gonna say it again Formula One cars or stock NASCAR', he kept saying what do you mean?" (0:04)

Salley described his time with the Bulls as being akin to traveling with a global sensation. The Bulls, under Jordan’s leadership, were treated like royalty. The team had luxurious accommodations, including a plane with a bar, and extensive security measures, including personal security for Jordan. The attention and adulation were overwhelming, leading Salley to often stay in his hotel room to avoid the frenzy.

In contrast, Salley's early experiences with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers were more modest. He recalled dining out with a young Kobe at TGI Fridays without much fanfare, as Bryant was still in the early stages of his career. But, Salley acknowledged that Kobe eventually grew into his superstar status, garnering attention similar to that of Jordan.

Salley also pointed out the differences in how the Bulls and Lakers managed their teams. He noted that the Bulls were exceptionally well-resourced, with multiple massage therapists, a swimming pool, four trainers, and a strength coach. The Lakers, on the other hand, were surprisingly frugal. Salley mentioned that the team lacked the same level of support staff and resources.

He used a racing analogy to explain this to then-coach Phil Jackson, likening the meticulous maintenance of a Formula One car to how the Bulls operated, compared to the more lax approach of a NASCAR team, which he felt resembled the Lakers' operations.

Salley further emphasized the disparity in player treatment, recalling that at the Bulls, everything was top-notch, from gourmet meals to impeccable logistics. In stark contrast, he mentioned a time with the Miami Heat when players brought dollar-menu food on the plane despite having multimillion-dollar contracts.

Overall, Salley's reflections underscore not only the difference in organizational culture between the Bulls and Lakers but also the journey of two basketball icons from rising stars to legends, each leaving an indelible mark on the game and their team.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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