Phil Jackson: No one has ever worked as hard as Kobe Bryant

In case you missed it in all the reports about Kobe Bryant winning his first MVP trophy, Phil Jackson's praise of his superstar sounded a bit over the top, even in the star-struck NBA.

And it could easily be construed as "dissing" a certain Airness in Chicago who won the league honor five times, as well as every other former MVP from Larry Bird to Karl Malone.

"I don't know anybody who's ever deserved this trophy more. I don't know anybody who's ever worked as hard to accomplish what he's accomplished," said Jackson, the Lakers coach who directed five-time MVP Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls and was at the helm of the Lakers when Shaquille O'Neal won the award in 2000.

So what's your reaction, Chicago fans. Was this just mindless praise, a disserving tribute or a slap at Jordan?

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