Four-time NBA champion Horace Grant, a pivotal figure in the Chicago Bulls’ initial dynasty, is pulling back the curtain on his decorated career, offering candid insights into his time with the Los Angeles Lakers and the enduring impact of the 1990s NBA. In an extensive interview with Alex Kirschenbaum of Sports Illustrated, Grant spoke openly about his decision to join the Lakers, the chemistry of the championship-winning 2000-2001 squad, and his new venture into sports media.
The Allure of Los Angeles: Joining Shaq and Kobe
Grant’s move to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2000, orchestrated by former Bulls coach Phil Jackson, was a significant event that re-teamed the veteran power forward with his former championship coach. Grant was 35 years old at the time, but he was far from a benchwarmer. He was recognized as a tenacious, two-way talent who possessed the invaluable experience of multiple title runs, including a previous stint with the Orlando Magic, where his team eliminated the Michael Jordan-led Bulls in the 1995 playoffs.
Grant’s arrival provided the Lakers, led by the dominant Shaquille O’Neal and the ascendant Kobe Bryant, with a much-needed frontcourt enforcer. Jackson’s recruitment was key, leading to the offseason trade that paved the way for Grant to secure his fourth and final NBA championship.
While speaking with Kirschenbaum, Grant underscored his value to the team that season, stating that “Even at age 35, Grant was the absolute prize of the deal.” In the 77 regular season games he played for the 56-26 Lakers, Grant posted solid averages of 8.5 points and 7.1 rebounds, while shooting 46.2 percent from the floor. His professional, team-first approach immediately resonated with O’Neal and Bryant, establishing a formidable new defensive presence in the paint.
The Power of Phil Jackson’s Rotations and Veteran Presence
The 2000-2001 Lakers’ postseason run is etched in NBA history, culminating in a near-perfect 15-1 march to the title with an average winning differential of 13.5 points. Grant credits the team’s success not just to the star power of O’Neal and Bryant, but also to the masterful coaching of Phil Jackson, particularly his management of the veteran roster.
While speaking with Kirschenbaum, Grant provided a strong declaration about that historic playoff run: “I would say the ’01 because the West was tough. Going through Portland, Sacramento, San Antonio. We had a niche. We had a chemistry that I hadn’t felt in years.” He added, “The regular season was subpar, but we came together during that playoff because we had one goal. And that’s to win that championship.” Grant’s experience, defensive acumen, and timely mid-range jumper provided a reliable anchor that bridged the gap between the superstar duo and the rest of the squad, allowing role players like Robert Horry to excel in their assigned duties.
The Lakers title that year cemented Grant’s legacy as one of the most reliable and successful power forwards of his era, a testament to his ability to contribute significantly across different championship environments.
A New Chapter: Giving Voice to Legends
Beyond his reflections on championship basketball, Grant spoke with Kirschenbaum about his latest endeavor, a new Chicago-shot television interview show called “Legends In Session.” Slated to premiere in mid-2026, the series aims to give retired basketball legends a transparent and fun platform to share their life journeys.
Grant described his motivation for the show, telling Sports Illustrated: “I just felt that I should have my voice out there a little bit more. Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a no-nonsense type of guy, I wear my heart on my sleeve and just have a story to tell.”
The show will be structured like an NBA game, complete with “pregame,” four quarters, and a “postgame” rapid-fire segment. Guests will delve into their growth from childhood through their college and NBA careers. The conversations, Grant notes, will be “fascinating, transparent and fun,” and will inevitably include comparisons between ’80s and ’90s basketball and the modern game.
The purpose extends beyond just storytelling. The series will incorporate a charitable component, where each guest signs memorabilia that is subsequently auctioned off for a charity of their choice. Grant emphasizes the goal: “I already know all these guys, but I want them to share it with the public, with the fans, about their growth from childhood, adolescence, college, what were their keys to success, and what are they doing now since us old heads have retired?”
Grant’s desire to step back into the public eye—this time on the other side of the microphone—signals a continued commitment to the sport that defined his life, offering fans a fresh, unfiltered perspective from the players who shaped the golden age of the NBA.
