Kobe Bryant idolized Michael Jordan, but that didn’t mean he gave up on the Chicago Bulls legend when the opportunity arose.
The Black Mamba never shied away from a challenge. Even though Jordan was the most dominant player, Kobe always matched up against the best in the business.
He’s not a guy who would believe in going up against Michael Jordan. In a post-retirement interview with Patrick Bate David, Bryant recalled how members of the Philadelphia 76ers gave him advice when he was asked what it was like to guard the Bulls icon.
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“When I was in high school, I was with the 76ers. I used to ask them, what was it like to guard Mike? (“Mike? You mean Black Jesus?”) Black Jesus… what the hell. Black who?
“We call him Black Jesus, or you can call him Black Cat. I’m gonna call him fucking Mike. That’s his name. I’m gonna tell him, I said when I face him, we’re gonna Keep working hard. He said (Oh, you don’t want to do that). I said, ‘Man, you don’t know me.’”
This attitude allowed Kobe to grow into a superstar in his own right. The two faced each other eight times.
Kobe averaged 22.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Jordan outscored him in points (24.5), but took a hit in rebounding (4.3) and rebounding (3.6) compared to the then-young Los Angeles Lakers star.
Michael Jordan says Kobe Bryant can beat him in one-on-one matchup
In a tribute to the greatness of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan believes the late five-time NBA champion may be the only player who can beat his prime in a one-on-one matchup.
In an interview with NBA 2K, the Bulls legend said frankly:
“If I were in my prime, who would I want to play one-on-one with?” Jordan asked in an interview with NBA 2K.
“The list is long. I would start with Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant in his prime, LeBron (James) in his prime, Wade in his prime, (Car) May Lowe (Anthony) started, “It’s a good start. I don’t think I’m going to lose to Kobe Bryant because he stole all my moves. “
Although Kobe could not tie Jordan’s record of six NBA championships, his 20 seasons in the NBA were wonderful. His career points were 33,643, beating Jordan’s 32 points and 292 points.
In terms of greatness, Kobe stands alongside his idols on the Mount Rushmore of NBA greats.