By 1998, NBA legend Michael Jordan already established himself as arguably the greatest player of all time. With six NBA championships and countless other prestigious awards, MJ reached the pinnacle of success in the late 90s. He was not just a basketball player but a cultural icon across the country and beyond and a figure of immense influence. Hence, for anybody to be able to meet the Chicago Bulls legend was definitely an out-of-body experience. However, apparently, that was not the case for the Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook as he didn’t care about meeting him for the first time. However, years later, the 2017 MVP disclosed his deep regret for not meeting the six-time NBA champion when provided with the opportunity.

Jordan once dropped 63 points on Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics in a playoff game, which, in turn, made Bird say, “It’s just God disguised as Michael Jordan.” Westbrook seemingly missed experiencing this feeling of awe for a pick-up game.

Russell Westbrook revealed his biggest Michael Jordan regret

Westbrook joined Jimmy Fallon at the home edition of The Tonight Show in 2020 and recalled that his parents send him to the Michael Jordan camp in Santa Barbra when he was 10 or 11. During the show, he said, “When my team was up to get a basketball signed, I don’t know what I was thinking…I was playing pick-up with other kids. And then my coach was like ‘Come on, come on, come on. You’re gonna miss your opportunity to get a picture with Michael Jordan and an autograph from Michael Jordan.” 

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Subsequently, the nine-time All-star admitted that he told his coach that he doesn’t need it and continued playing basketball.

The 34-year-old continued and admitted that he ‘definitely cared‘ after missing the opportunity. He said, “I wasn’t thinking at the time, I was just a little kid having so much fun.” The Los Angeles Clippers star finished by saying that he thought he would get a sign from His Airness but ultimately he didn’t.

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The relationship between Jordan and Westbrook

Russ might not have met Air Jordan during his childhood, but today both of them know each other very well and even share a close relationship. Jordan has complimented the former MVP quite a few times on numerous occasions as His Airness is certainly a fan of his gameplay.

Apart from that, Russ is also a part of MJ’s ‘Air Jordan’ brand since 2012. The former OKC star, with his association, has significantly contributed to increasing the popularity of the former Chicago Bulls player’s brand.

Have you ever met Michael Jordan? Let us know in the comments below.

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