The romance between Larsa Pippen , Scottie Pippen's ex-wife, and Marcus Jordan, the son of Pip's former teammate and friend, Michael Jordan , was so bizarre and preposterous that it's the stuff of daytime drama shows. However, it wasn't a reality TV show or a Hollywood drama. It was real life.
But according to American journalist and producer Von Lathan, who helmed the Academy Award-winning short film, "Two Distant Strangers," he wouldn't have been at all surprised if it were revealed that the mastermind of the entire fling was none other than Jordan.
The NBA in the 1990s was ruled by an iron fist by the Chicago Bulls. Winners of six titles in eight seasons, their bullish run was led by the dynamic duo of Jordan and Pippen. After all the battles they went through, on and off the hardwood floor, many thought they would be lifelong friends who, one day, when they were old and grey, would hang out on a porch and reminisce about their basketball escapades.
However, it was not meant to be, as their relationship was strained and eventually shattered by the release of MJ's documentary, "The Last Dance," which Scottie felt placed him in a negative light. Over the years, Pip has scorched his friendship with Mike, making one wild comment after another.
For the most part, Jordan has not responded to any of the barbs. That said, Lathan joked that Jordan's response might not have been what anyone expected.
"This is so crazy to me. It's like Michael is a Bond villain. I think Michael is orchestrating all of this," he suggested . "I swear to God, bro. I think Michael is orchestrating all of this."
For all of MJ's superior basketball skills and physical attributes, one thing that set him apart from his peers was his cunning. He didn't just play the game; he thought about it. Like a lion surveying the Serengeti, he regularly set traps for his opponents. Whether that was through a well-timed verbal jab or a taunt, nobody got into opponents' heads better than Jordan.
In Lathan's creative mind, Jordan sat back and called out for his son, Marcus .
"I'm like, I wouldn't be surprised if Michael was sitting back with a cigar like: 'Tell Marcus to come in here real quick,'" Lathan said.
"'You love your dad?' 'Yeah.' 'Are you a Jordan?' 'Yeah.' 'You want the inheritance?' 'Yeah.' 'I got a mission for you,'" he continued. "And he just slides him a picture of Larsa."
"Think about this, bro. Think about this," Lathan stressed. "She getting his half of the retirement money, doing a podcast with Michael Jordan's son, and dating Michael Jordan's son. And Scottie and Michael are into it. Like, it is so diabolical, it's even sometimes hard to laugh at.These guys were teammates for years."
Lathan's suggestion was funny as heck. However, the reality of Jordan's and Pippen's relationship is anything but. These were two men who were joined at the hip through every heartbreak and triumph on the basketball court. Literally shed blood, sweat and tears together in the pursuit of hoops immortality. Yet, at the end of it all, here they are, not even speaking to one another.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
