Basketball fans received some insight into the relationship between Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan in Episode 5 of ESPN's Chicago Bulls docu-series, “The Last Dance.”
The episode details Jordan's role as a mentor and “big brother” to Kobe, who was emerging as one of the bright young stars in the NBA during Jordan's twilight.
Bryant, who largely patterned his game after Jordan's, also stated he despised discussing who might win a hypothetical game of one-on-one between the two titans:
“I truly hate having discussions on who would win 1-on-1…Because I feel like ‘yo what you get from me, is from him.’ I don’t get 5 championships [in LA] without him,” Kobe Bryant said.
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Kobe is, by most accounts, the closest thing basketball fans have seen to “His Airness.” In fact, their playing styles evolved in similar fashion over time.
Like Jordan, Bryant came into the league as a hyper-athletic guard who dazzled fans with his high-flying exploits and tremendous feats of athleticism.
But as Kobe aged, he became one of the more savvy scorers in basketball, often using his tremendous footwork and exceptional post game to gain an advantage over defenders.
In a way, a one-on-one between Bryant and Jordan really would look like some kind of mirror match.
Seeing Bryant on screen undoubtedly stirred different emotions for fans in the aftermath of his tragic death in January.
Jordan was particularly moved by Bryant's passing, honoring Kobe with some touching remarks at his memorial service back in February.
Michael and Kobe. Student and teacher. Needless to say, basketball fans have been blessed to watch such tremendous talents over the years.
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