When it comes to the G.O.A.T. conversation, only three names pop up in our heads usually, and the debate between the fans and the analysts may never end. One of the names is the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant.
The five-time NBA champion has numerous achievements both on and off the court. After making a mark in the NBA during his initial years, he was often compared to one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan. He was known for his ‘Mamba Mentality’, which means becoming the best version of oneself.
Also Read: Michael Jordan Releases Statement On The Passing of Kobe Bryant (PIC)
Lamar Odom reveals Kobe Bryant’s bold claim over Michael Jordan
Lamar Odom, a former sixth-man of the year and two-time NBA champion with the Lakers, played seven seasons with Kobe as teammates. In an interview, Odom shared an incident where Kobe Bryant claimed to be better than MJ, showing his Mamba mentality.
“We were on the bus one night, I think this is after he hit a game-winner against Milwaukee. My n***a comes on the bus and says in front of me and Fish, ‘Yo, I’m better than Mike’. I was like, ‘You’re better than Mike? That’s how you feeling?” Said Odom.
Kobe once challenged Jordan for 1v1
As Kobe’s claim of being better than Michael Jordan goes, the fact that Kobe even challenged Michael for a 1v1 should not come as a surprise. During Kobe’s statue unveiling, the former Lakers head coach, Phil Jackson, got on the stage to honor the late Kobe Bryant, where he shared a memory of him meeting Kobe for the first time.
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Jackson said that during a match, he used to pull Kobe to the sidelines often to tell him to be patient and not try to take over the game on his own. Seeing Kobe’s confidence and abilities, Jackson turned to Michael Jordan to talk to Kobe, as he was a soon-to-be legend.
“So I arranged, we had a little meeting in the cigar room off the bar downstairs, and Michael and I were sitting there, and Kobe walked in after his shower and the press and whatnot, and he sat down, and he said, “Michael, I can take you one-on-one.” And Michael said, well, I think you might. I’m 37, you’re 22,” Jackson said.
Also Read: Michael Jordan Shares Heartwarming Final Text Message With Kobe Bryant One Month Before His Death
Kobe embraced the philosophy of Jackson and learned during those early years, which helped them win 5 championships together.
