Legends tell of Jordan’s fierce rivalry, both on and off the basketball court. For this North Carolina native, the idea of being better than others is non-negotiable.
His desire to win during games is evident and he drives his team to victory along the way.
Even in a strange place like a golf course, a match of wits and skill was no different to him than a battlefield. Bryant knew this about Jordan too well to accept any of his many golf invitations.
“Michael was competitive at all the things that didn’t make sense,” Bryant commented.
Bryant recounted how Jordan insisted he want him to play in a golf tournament. But Kobe was smart enough not to risk competing with his idol. He realizes that his status as a novice in golf is different from Jordan’s status as a golf expert.
“Jordan kept coaxing me to play golf with him. But, ‘Mike, I know it by heart. I wrote about you in my grade school homework. Your golf game started in North Carolina.
All told, that’s the equivalent of nearly a hundred years of golf experience. I, on the other hand, am a complete newbie.
The last thing I want to do is walk onto a golf course with you and be blown away. That’s just not going to happen,” said Kobe, also known as the Black Mamba.
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When did Michael Jordan prefer Kobe Bryant to LeBron James?
When asked if he had to choose between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James to lead his team to victory in the NBA, Michael Jordan sided with Kobe Bryant.
Jordan won six NBA championships in his 15-year career, and his insight into the championship mentality is second to none. After all, he is a victorious general.
Jordan pointed to Kobe’s extreme determination when analyzing his preference for Kobe to win the NBA title over James.
“At this stage, LeBron is dominating the game of basketball,” Jordan said. “However, when it comes to a championship, I would choose Kobe. His intense desire to win and his preparation to do whatever it takes is unparalleled.
“Imagine a 34-year-old guy, playing 38 to 40 minutes guarding a point guard. That’s ridiculous! It seems like he’s struggling with his own ambition.
His obsession feels like a curse to me. However, when forced to choose between the two, it’s not easy, but five titles are better than one. “
It’s worth noting that this conversation took place in 2013. Since then, LeBron James has added three more championships to his name.
However, Kobe Bryant is still one championship ahead of him, but two less than Michael Jordan.
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