Published 14:19 IST, May 18th 2020

Who was Gus Lett? Michael Jordan's 'second father' tragically died of cancer in 2000

Who was Gus Lett? One story highlighted in the finale episodes of the documentary reveals Jordan's motivation to win the 1998 Finals Game against Pacers.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Michael Jordan's docu-series Last Dance me sure to show how Jordan drew motivation to win while playing for Chicago Bulls. One story highlighted in final episodes of documentary reveals Jordan's motivation to win 1998 Finals Game 7 against Indiana Pacers – Michael Jordan's security guard Gus Lett. Lett's mention in documentary caused fans to ask 'who was Gus Lett' on Twitter along with questions about Gus Lett death, Gus Lett obituary and Michael Jordan security team. Here are answers to questions 'when did Gus Lett die', Gus Lett obituary and 'who was Gus Lett'.

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Who was Gus Lett? How did Gus Lett death help Jordan win 1998 game versus Indiana Pacers?

For ir sixth NBA title, Bulls h to face  Larry Bird-coached Pacers team, which Jordan h mitted was toughest team y h faced in Eastern Conference apart from Detroit Pistons. While Bulls were playing series, Jordan's bodyguard and his far figure Gus Lett was diagnosed with cancer. Gus Lett was seemingly much more than a security member for him, and his illness became motivation Jordan needed to eliminate Reggie Miller-led Pacers. 

Michael Jordan explains 'who was Gus Lett' in Last Dance

During his interview in Last Dance, Jordan recalled his time with Lett. As per Jordan, re were many people who thought y were entitled to things, but Lett was one who 'put m straight'. He referred to Lett as his 'protector', but also someone who became more than that. Jordan revealed that Lett became a far figure for him after his far's death and he needed to have him next to him everywhere he went. 

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Michael and I talk all time,” Lett explained to  Chicago Tribune in an interview. “Probably twice a week we will talk. We talk about my health. He is encouraging me to keep fighting. And he keeps telling me that it’s going to be all right, which I know it will be. doctors tell me I’m on good side of (cancer prognosis). tumours are gone. And I am going through chemorapy now.”

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Also re | Michael Jordan security team: John Wozniak from Michael Jordan security team reveals incredible stories in Last Dance

Gus Lett death: Who was Gus Lett?

Michael Jordan hired Gus Lett along with John Michael Wozniak and Clarence Travis when he left to play baseball. three of m were considered Jordan's closest people. He started working as a guard after working in  narcotics department. Jordan referred to Lett as a positive influence on him, stating that when he looks at Lett, ' game really doesn’t mean as much'. He stated that he loved having Lett around and referred to him as an inspiration.

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During a 1998 interview with Chicago Tribune before his death, Lett revealed that he and Jordan talked at least twice a week. He revealed that Jordan kept telling him everything would work out, which he knew would be. While giving interview, Lett's tumours were gone and he was going through chemorapy. Lett passed away in 2000. Apart from Lett, Wozniak me an appearance on Last Dance, where he played a game of coin toss with Chicago Bulls legend. 

Michael Jordan security team member John Wozniak's Last Dance appearance

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14:19 IST, May 18th 2020