When it comes to Top 5 all-time lists, perhaps no sport is more divisive than basketball. Fans can rarely decide on who the real GOAT is, let alone choose five players given how many legends have graced the courts since the sport was invented. Despite everyone having different tastes when it comes to playstyles, two names that are frequently featured on those lists are Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
MJ, of course, is the pick by many as the best player in the history of basketball. As if his worldwide revolution that spread the gospel of basketball to countries all around the globe wasn’t enough, he also owns several statistical records and won six rings. Kobe was no slouch himself, winning five championships and making 18 All-Star teams. Curiously, it was in Bryant’s first-ever All-Star Game that Jordan may have indirectly set Kobe on his “Black Mamba” path.
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Kobe Bryant took offense to MJ’s comment about being aggressive
LA Times reporter J.A. Adande shared the story of Jordan and Bryant at the 1998 All-Star Game on The Habershow podcast. MJ had mentioned to Bryant: “Don’t forget to stay aggressive“.
One thing that sticks with me is he talked about how Michael told him at that ’98 All-Star Game. Kobe said, initially he was like, ‘What do you mean stay aggressive? Of course, I’m going to stay aggressive. Kobe was almost insulted that Michael felt the need to tell him that.
Whether Jordan’s comment came with a hint of criticism or not, it set off something in Bryant’s head. That eventually led to Kobe becoming a “psycho” of sorts when it came to basketball, not letting up even in situations where his body or mind may have called for him to rest on his laurels.
It’s no surprise Bryant took Jordan’s advice to heart, especially considering how much he valued his game and opinion.
