Phil Jackson Wanted Kobe Bryant to Play More Like LeBron James

The HBO Real Sports interview with Phil Jackson doesn’t air until tonight, but the juicy tidbits continue to leak out. The latest from the Zen Master, is of him talking about the differences between LeBron James and two superstars he coached in the past (Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant). Per the Palm Beach Post: “Do you think LeBron’s not being utilized in the best way? Phil Jackson: ‘Oh, they’re– they’re using LeBron every possible way they can. He’s such a great player. I still think his game is gonna grow. I still think it’s gonna grow. But he was like Scottie Pippen was to the Bulls. He’s maybe a pass first and shoot second player. Whereas, you know, Michael or Kobe are like, ‘I’m gonna shoot this ball.’ Every time they get the ball, they’re looking to score. LeBron’s not like that. And I love that about him. But he also, when he goes after scoring, he’s also terrific. You want a player that can do both. I tried to get Kobe to do both for numbers of years, and he could. But his first instinct is to beat the guy that’s in front of him.’”