Sam Smith has witnessed just about every Chicago Bulls game since 1987. As a beat reporter for the Chicago Tribune and now covering the team for its website, Smith has chronicled the exploits of Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose and some of their big names in the game. He’s also written 5 books including three on Jordan.

As for having remarkably close contact for the magical 90s Bulls? “On every flight I either sat with Phil Jackson, Johnny Bach and Tex Winter.” This trio of coaches helped lead the Bulls to six titles in 8 seasons but it was Jordan who got the headlines. Smith wrote three books on him including the New York Times best seller, “The Jordan Rules.” “I remember when the Jordan Rules came out it was kind of controversial but I had a good relationship with Jordan.”

Smith is one of the sport’s most respected journalists witness how some players and coaches have come to him to write stories, including the late Kobe Bryant during the time when he admitted to having an affair.

Smith says he’s just the conduit to his readers and that’s exactly what he is. But he’s managed to gain unbridled respect from not only those who have read his stories but to those he was writing about.

In part one of this fascinating podcast, Smith also delves into his relationship with both Jordan and Rose, the disliked but misunderstood Jerry Krause who helped build the 6 time championship teams and a very amusing recollection of a golf game he had with Jordan.


Tell me a story I don’t know, conversations with Chicago sports legends is now available for pre order on Amazon books and will be released in Mid November. And, you can find new episodes on the Last Word on Sports Media Podcast feed and make sure to follow/subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Google, etc.!!