Former Los Angeles Lakers general manager Jerry West got to witness how a young Kobe Bryant gravitated toward longtime idol Michael Jordan and how he grew because of it.

Several players wanted Jordan's respect but few were able to get his attention. The late Lakers star managed to stick to Jordan through relentless perseverance and a work ethic that Jordan came to respect, as West notes:

“If you just watched them interact in a game, Kobe always was like a magnet going toward Michael,” said West, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. “Usually Michael didn't really interact with a lot of players when he was on the court. He'd just play. But for some reason, he had this affinity for him.”

While the scope of their relationship was reduced to the Lakers guard learning the tricks of the trade by watching and emulating Jordan, Bryant's public memorial shed a different light on their relationship — as the two were much closer to each other than most thought.

West met with Jordan on Feb. 23, the night before Bryant's memorial service. Jordan had been working on his eulogy for a couple of weeks, but West wasn't worried about the content, knowing the former Chicago Bulls star would know just what to say to tug on those heartstrings:

“Michael is going to say the right things,” said West. “He does have a soul. Most people have placed him in such a higher place in life, they don't think he has this side of him.

“But I think he was truly touched by Kobe.”

Jordan showed his soft side by breaking down into tears during his speech, showing just how close he and Kobe had become.

Bryant's insistence as a youngster may have been annoying at first, but it soon became fodder for more. The Lakers legend went from an inquisitive young player to one hungry for answers and challenges — something Jordan ultimately embraced throughout their long relationship.