Kobe Bryant really had a great relationship with Michael Jordan, and that became even more evident thanks to episode 5 of “The Last Dance” documentary aired by ESPN.
The episode was dedicated to Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January. The episode began with Jordan talking some trash about Kobe before the 1998 NBA All-Star Game. Despite the trash talk, Jordan really did respect Bryant and even mentored him because he thought so highly of the late former Laker.
Bryant was even interviewed for the documentary and shared how much Jordan meant to him. Bryant credited MJ for being a big factor in the five championships Bryant won.
“At that point, Michael provided a lot of guidance for me,” Bryant said of MJ helping him in 1998. “Like I had a question about shooting the turnaround shot, so I asked him about it. He gave me a great, detailed answer, but on top of that, he said, ‘if you ever need anything, give me a call.’ He’s like my big brother.
“I truly hate having discussions about who would win 1-on-1. Fans saying, ‘you would beat Michael 1-on-1.’ I feel like what you get from me is from him. I don’t get five championships without him because he guided me so much and gave me so much great advice.”
Kobe idolized Jordan. He tried to play like him, talk like him, lead like him, and win like him. Even his love letter to basketball was just like Jordan’s. Everything Kobe got from Jordan probably explains why Bryant wanted to help pass down all his knowledge to younger players upon Bryant’s retirement.
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