"His greatness will never be superseded" - Phil Jackson explains why LeBron James and Kobe Bryant could never surpass Michael Jordan

Phil Jackson seldom discredits the accomplishments and contributions of modern NBA stars such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. However, "The Zen Master" strongly believes that no other player could ever surpass Michael Jordan 's impact and greatness.

Jackson's intriguing perspective stems from his firsthand experience coaching Jordan during his time with the Chicago Bulls . However, as he closely observed the game evolving over the years, Phil reckoned that Kobe and LeBron are legendary in their own right, but only MJ possessed the unique qualities that made him a true generational NBA superstar.

"They may be able to break a record he had or maybe win more championships. Michael was 28 when he won his first championship, and LeBron could win one before he reaches that age and have a chance at winning more than six. But Michael's image as a player will always stand and his greatness will never be superseded," Jackson told Bulls.com in 2009.

Mike thinks only Kobe deserved the comparisons

Between James and Bryant , the Los Angeles Lakers legend is recognized more often for his relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence. These traits did not go unnoticed as Jackson once revealed that Jordan himself acknowledged it.

According to Jackson, MJ said only Kobe deserves to be compared to him because he did all that was necessary to reach that level.

"I never said Kobe was better than MJ," the legendary coach once said. "MJ just told me Kobe's the only one to have done the work to deserve comparison."

MJ's contribution to the sport is hard to exceed

Indeed, Jordan left an indelible mark on the game. His impact extended beyond his individual achievements, having elevated the level of play in the NBA and setting new standards for athleticism, skill, and competitiveness.

Moreover, MJ's influence transcended borders, making basketball a global phenomenon and inspiring millions of young athletes to pursue their dreams. On the other hand, Bryant and LeBron respectively did the same during their time.

However, Jackson argued that he has yet to witness a player move the needle quite like Jordan did. For Phil, perhaps, nobody could even match what Jordan had done for the sport.

"I don't think anybody will ever really touch what Michael has done for the game," he concluded.

Related: When Phil Jackson admitted Kobe Bryant was an even harder worker than Michael Jordan