Remembering Kobe Bryant: Michael Jordan warns room full of legends about cruelty from 19-year-old Lakers boy (1998)

Back in 1998, Kobe Bryant made history by becoming the youngest All-Star ever. Although Kobe is only a 19-year-old NBA guard, he is not afraid to go against the giants of the league. The intensity that Kobe brought to every possession made him a threat. So much so that even the great Michael Jordan acknowledged Kobe’s toughness to his Eastern Conference teammates before the All-Star break.

“That Laker boy will lead everyone one-on-one. He doesn’t let the game get to him, he just goes out and takes his chances. “I’m going to make this happen”, “I’m going to make this a 1 vs. 1 game”‘,” the six-time champion said as he sat in the locker room with his teammates before the 1998 All-Star Game.

Jordan knew exactly how the Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard played. That’s because Kobe’s game is a lot like his own ruthless style. He’s ready for every game, even if it’s just against a 19-year-old defender. The Chicago Bulls legend was surrounded by other NBA greats like Reggie Miller and Tim Hardaway, who agreed that Bryant made the game a one-on-one affair from the start.

In the end, Michael Jordan stood out in the game and won the All-Star Game MVP. Jordan played 32 minutes and scored 24 points, while Kobe only played 22 minutes and scored 18 points. But Jordan recognized the potential of young Kobe. The two developed a strong relationship over the years, and Jordan was always willing to help Kobe become better.

Kobe Bryant made history in 1998

In 1998, Kobe Bryant became the youngest All-Star in NBA history, a record that has stood since then. Although Bryant spent most of the season on the bench, he averaged 15.4 points per game. This led to his selection to the All-Star Game.

Winning the All-Star Dunk Contest during his rookie season also helped his selection. Bryant showed up in the game but failed to bring a victory to his division. However, since then, Kobe has been selected to 18 consecutive All-Star appearances and became an All-Star for the rest of his career.

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What do you think of Michael Jordan’s preparation for a young Kobe Bryant before the All-Star Game? Let us know what you think in the comments below!