'Magic, he's just the greatest' - Michael Jordan admitted the Bulls underestimated the Lakers in the Finals

Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls had their breakout year in 1991. They faced defeat only once throughout the entire postseason as they surged confidently toward the Finals. This impressive performance fueled Jordan's confidence and optimism, especially after seven long years of striving for an NBA title.

The combination of the Bulls' exceptional teamwork and Jordan's unwavering determination set the stage for what would become a pivotal moment in his career. However, the Los Angeles Lakers killed that narrative by beating Chicago in Game 1. As expected, MJ and the Bulls bounced back stronger and won the next four games to win their first championship in franchise history.

After the series, Jordan reflected on their championship quest. He boldly admitted that heading into the Finals, they were overconfident and had to snap back to reality after the Lakers proved to them that it wasn't gonna be a lopsided duel.

"We started at the bottom and made it to the top. A long seven years. A long, long seven years. A lot of bad teams. A lot of improvement. Step by step, inch by inch. And now, well, there's a lot of emotion I've been holding back. I had to," the Bulls superstar said.

"I didn't want to show what I was feeling because I didn't want to give anybody the wrong impression," he confided. "You know what my dad was saying about not letting us lose? Well, it wasn't that easy. We underestimated the Lakers, if anything. Those guys were great. They wouldn't give up. Magic [Johnson], he's just the greatest. But I told people if we got to the Finals, we'd win. I really believed it."

MJ was proud of the Bulls' feat

After averaging a series-high 31.2 points per game, Mike was crowned as the unquestioned NBA Finals MVP. The resounding championship triumph wasn't only a milestone for the team but also for MJ's soaring career.

While the dominant victory over the "Showtime" Lakers was undeniably impressive, "His Airness" shared his true feelings about it. As per MJ, his pride and elation at their feat extended far beyond just the decisive five-game series. Instead, he was prouder of the entire journey the Bulls undertook to reach this pinnacle of success that season.

The hard work, dedication, and perseverance displayed throughout the season truly resonated with Jordan. For him, the team's championship run in '91 wasn't just about their dominance but more importantly, it speaks volumes about the collective effort and the challenges they overcame along the way that made the achievement all the more meaningful.

"We shocked a lot of people, I know. But we earned it. We deserved it. We took it," Jordan opened up. "No one gave it to us. That's what I'm proudest about. We took it, and we took it as a team. Me and my teammates."

The Lakers felt MJ's confidence

Apart from being the best player in the league, Michael was also known for his savagery. Apparently, MJ meant that he was being a bit cocky when he admitted that they underestimated the Lakers in the '91 Finals.

In fact, former Lakers guard Byron Scott still vividly recalls that Jordan was not only performing well during that series but also showboating and trash-talking LA's bench.

"We noticed Michael taunting our bench," Scott once remembered. "That's something you just don't do this early in the series. But since he's Michael, I guess he feels he can get away with it. It angers us to see someone of his caliber act that way. But I've seen him do it before, so I'm not surprised."

Instead of letting Jordan's antics rattle him or his teammates, Lakers superstar Magic Johnson took a different approach. Like a well-rounded player and leader, Magic viewed MJ's taunting as a source of motivation, fueling his determination to compete even harder.

"I showed my emotions for those situations as something to keep me motivated," Jordan said. "But I didn't angle it at them or try to disrespect them."

The beginning of a dynasty

The Bulls' 1991 championship marked a significant milestone in the franchise's history. Besides the unforgettable upset win over the vaunted "Showtime" Lakers, the Bulls' win also laid the foundation for the team's historic dynasty in the '90s.

With Jordan leading the charge, Chicago dominated the league, establishing their legacy as one of the greatest NBA teams of all time. The team demonstrated a level of talent, synergy, and excellence that set them apart from all other great teams during that era.

True to form, MJ and the Bulls won two more NBA titles to complete their first three-peat. As for the Lakers, it marked the beginning of the end of "Showtime." Magic announced that he was HIV-positive ahead of the 1991-92 season, and the Lakers were never the same since then.