Given the number of legends that have graced the courts since the invention of the sport, fans rarely have an easy time choosing only five players to represent the true GOAT. Even if everyone has various preferences when it comes to playstyles, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are two names who are often mentioned on those lists.
Naturally, MJ is regarded by many as the greatest basketball player in history. As if his global revolution—which brought basketball to nations all over the world—wasn’t remarkable enough, he also holds multiple statistical records and has won six rings.
Kobe, who made 18 All-Star teams and won five titles, was no slouch either. It’s interesting to note that Jordan might have unintentionally started Kobe on his “Black Mamba” path during Bryant’s inaugural All-Star Game.
Kobe Bryant was offended by Michael Jordan’s remark about being combative
On The Habershow podcast, LA Times reporter J.A. Adande related the story of Jordan and Bryant during the 1998 All-Star Game. Bryant had heard from MJ to “remember 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.”
Jordan’s remark, whether it was intended as a compliment or not, triggered something in Bryant’s mind. That eventually led to Kobe being a “psycho” of sorts when it came to basketball, not letting up even in times where his body may have called for him to rest on laurels. Given how highly Bryant regarded Jordan’s skill and viewpoint, it’s not surprising that he took his advise to heart.
