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Kobe Bryant (8) of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with Michael Jordan (23) of the Washington Wizards during the game at Staples Center (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
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Kobe Bryant (8) of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with Michael Jordan (23) of the Washington Wizards during the game at Staples Center (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Many people agree with the fact that Michael Jordan is the Greatest of All-Time. ‘His Airness’ put on a dominating show of performances and won six titles during his NBA career. This made him an inspiration for people all over the world. Everyone wanted to ‘Be like Mike.’
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CHICAGO – 1991: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls jumps to shoot a basket against the Detroit Pistons as Cliff Levingston #53 of the Bulls, Dennis Rodman #10 of the Pistons and Isiah Thomas #11 of the Pistons watch the shot at the Chicago Stadium during the 1991 NBA Playoffs in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Focus on Sport via Getty Images)
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One such person who was inspired by MJ was none other than the late, great Kobe Bryant. In fact, many regard the ‘Mamba’ as the second coming of Jordan. Moreover, during Kobe’s early career, MJ and he shared a mentor-mentee relationship. Kobe even spoke about this relationship during his farewell season.
So it is quite evident that the two share a special relationship. In fact, MJ was present with Kobe’s wife Vanessa, when the ‘Mamba’ posthumously was inducted into the Hall Of Fame.
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In light of this special bond, MJ and Vanessa shared a special moment during the All-Star Game which made fans tear up.
Michael Jordan and Vanessa Bryant during the NBA All-Star Game 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Iv2OyFby0H
— Kobe & Gianna Bryant Murals (@kobemurals) February 21, 2022
Fans React to Michael Jordan and Vanessa Bryant
The heartwarming moment between Jordan and Vanessa took the Twitterverse by storm. Several fans teared up in memory of the ‘Mamba’ and were touched by the friendship that Jordan shares with Kobe’s family.
If real friendship and Love was a photo #MJ #QueenVanessaBryant #KobeBryant priceless picture 💖💝😇🙏🏼 https://t.co/RM9n0iEJcI
— Drea (@Dreanc0880) February 21, 2022
The true GOATS. 💯 #NBAAllStar https://t.co/f7InbiACHk
— Anthony J. Kiekow (@AKiekow) February 21, 2022
I love how so many have rallied around her and the girls. It’s a terribly hard road but much better when you have genuine people who cared about Bean and her there to support. https://t.co/Lo4UIw5i8a
— The RHOtorious P.O.O.D.L.E. (@doc_mbreezee) February 21, 2022
https://t.co/fPTOiYZqet pic.twitter.com/ahqfR2jMiD
— Leave A Legacy ∞ (@ThatCarlos_) February 21, 2022
The Impact of Kobe Bryant
Although the fan reactions show the strong friendship that MJ shares with Kobe and Vanessa, it is also a piece of evidence that indicates the impact Kobe had on the NBA community.
The passing of the ‘Mamba’ shook the world and all those who looked up to him. And for those that were close to him, like MJ and Vanessa, it was especially difficult to fathom.
Just like MJ and Kobe shared the mentor and mentee relationship, Kobe had the same with several stars who were rising up in the league. In fact, towards the end of his career, Kobe believed in creating a path for the next generation of greatness to rise.
He was a mentor to several players, such as Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, and Jayson Tatum. It was great to see the next generation of NBA talent learn from the masters of the game. Clearly, it is evident that Kobe had an everlasting impact on the NBA community and it is only fitting that the All-Star Game MVP trophy be named after the ‘Mamba’.
