Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley had a close friendship during their time in the NBA. They would often hang out together, even when they were playing against each other. However, their friendship off the court did not affect their competitiveness on it. They would engage in trash talk, with Barkley sometimes getting in trouble for his conduct. On January 18, 1998, during a game between the Bulls and the Rockets, tensions ran high. Barkley protested a no-call and expressed his frustration towards the referees, while Jordan heard his comments from nearby. Despite their friendship, their bond eventually soured when Barkley criticized Jordan’s management of the Charlotte Hornets. Barkley admitted his regret over losing a dear friend, but there seems to be no chance of reconciliation between them at this time.