Kobe Bryant modeled his game after his idol and mentor, Michael Jordan. Many would have attempted to master the game like ‘the Jumpman’, but it was Bryant who shared his hunger for greatness.

The two superstars had a brief rivalry when Bryant was in his formative years and Jordan was at the pinnacle of his powers. However, ‘His Airness’ became a type of role model, equipping the Lakers legend with all of his knowledge and skills. Bryant wasn’t hesitant to seek Jordan’s brotherhood and assistance. In fact, if the need arose, he would not shy away from contacting the Bulls legend at any time of day or night.

Jordan opened his speech at Bryant’s Staples Center tribute by saying, “Maybe it surprised people that Kobe and I were very close friends, but we were very close friends. Kobe was my dear friend. He was like a little brother.” This speaks volumes about the brotherhood the two NBA legends shared.

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It was a well-known fact that Jordan took a young Kobe Bryant under his wing. However, no one realized the magnitude of their bond until the Bulls icon explained what Bryant genuinely meant to him. In fact, they were so close that after Kobe’s death, Vanessa Bryant didn’t hesitate for a second to hand Jordan the chance to honor him during the Hall of Fame ceremony.

Michael Jordan felt honored to present Kobe Bryant at the Hall of Fame ceremony

Kobe Bryant was inducted into the Hall of Fame class of 2020 alongside fellow NBA legends, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Kobe’s unfortunate death didn’t give him a chance to choose someone to present him at the ceremony. However, it always made perfect sense if one of Shaquille O’Neal or Michael Jordan was given that chance.

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In fact, Jordan himself stated that he knew it would be one of him or Shaq.

“Vanessa asked me once he passed away,” he explains. “In all honesty, I knew he probably would. It was either me or Shaq, since they won three championships together.” 

Jordan continued by stating that he texted Vanessa in early 2021 to check in on her. He reassured her that he is always there for her and her girls during these challenging times. Jordan said, “She answered back, ‘I would love it if you stood up for Kobe at the Hall of Fame.'”

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Jordan wrote a heartfelt message to the Bryant family after reading this. He expressed how honored he would be to induct his dear friend into the Hall of Fame.

“It’s going to be a great honor, to be honest,” Jordan wrote. “It’s like standing up for a family member. He paid me the highest respect by trying to emulate certain things I did. And I can only repay that by showing my support and admiration for a guy who I felt was one of the greatest to ever play the game.” 

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Jordan was granted the honor of inducting Kobe Bryant into the NBA Hall of Fame, although it was more of a supporting role. Many anticipated him to deliver a speech, but Vanessa Bryant handled that department, with Jordan standing by her side.

Nonetheless, it was heartening to see Jordan so supportive, and Vanessa’s speech was a fortress of courage.