Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are similar players. Both are score-first shooting guards with an unparalleled competitive nature and an unquenchable thirst for success. Over the years, both players have noticed how they see reflections of themselves in each other.
However, there are some subtle differences in their games. Jordan was a more explosive athlete than Kobe. The Chicago Bulls superstar has a 48-inch vertical, while Bryant is 10 inches behind him with a 38-inch vertical. In Jordan’s basketball era, the difference in jumping ability was an important factor.
Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, the NBA was based on an indoor game where it was difficult to score at the rim unless you could outplay your opponent. Kobe also played in that era, but he found success with his exceptional ability to create space off the dribble and knock down the mid-range.
However, despite their similar styles and the aesthetics of their game, Jordan had the advantage over Kobe in terms of athleticism.
Kobe Byrant and Michael Jordan both had some amazing career dunks
During their NBA careers, both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant had some incredible dunks in games. Jordan would often change his shooting motion in mid-air or glide through the sky to complete jaw-dropping dunks. Kobe’s dunk was more of a statement, designed to excite his teammates and wear down the defense.
One of Jordan’s greatest dunks was the putback dunk after Scottie Pippen missed a free throw. The opponent in this game is the Portland Trail Blazers. Jordan’s dunk came out of nowhere, with the Chicago Bulls superstar airborne before even entering the paint. To make the game even more exciting, Jordan caught the ball as it left the basket and dunked it with one hand.
Kobe also had some impressive games during his career, one of the most notable coming against the New Orleans Pelicans. The dunk was accomplished with a 180-degree reverse double-clutch dunk on a second-chance attempt. Kobe’s power made the game stand out and ignited the crowd.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Lakers led 90-74. Neither Jordan nor Kobe ever cared about the score; they both cared about the outcome of the game. From the first whistle to the last they maintained the same intensity, with both players looking to dominate their opponents and weaken them.
Michael Jordan wants to be Kobe Bryant’s older brother
Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan developed a strong friendship off the court, with the Los Angeles Lakers superstar often turning to Jordan for advice on how to improve his game or approach the season.
While speaking at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service at Staples Center, Jordan discussed his friendship with the late Lakers star.
“He would call me and text me at 11:30, 2:30, 3 in the morning, talking about post-ups, footwork and sometimes the triangle offense,” Jordan said.
Jordan continued:
“We can talk about anything basketball-related about him, but we can talk about anything life-related,” Jordan said. “Growing up, we rarely had friends with whom we could have conversations like this. When you grow up with rivals and have conversations like this, it’s even rarer.
“I admire him because of his passion – it’s not often you see someone seeking and striving to improve every day, not just in sports, but as a parent, as a husband. “The things he does, the things he shares with Vanessa I was inspired by things and what he shared with his children. “
Jordan may have been the more explosive athlete, but it’s clear the mutual respect between these two players goes beyond just basketball. Two of the greatest scorers in league history bonded over their fierce rivalry.