Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are arguably two of the greatest players to play in the NBA. Although Michael Jordan has won more titles than Kobe, The Mamba’s influence on the game is unmatched.
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While many may argue that Jordan is better than Kobe, the Lakers legend thought otherwise. According to the 7-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady, Kobe truly thought he was better than Jordan.
Tracy McGrady talks about Kobe
When talking about the greatest players in the NBA, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan are always in the mix. According to McGrady, Bryant truly thought he was better than Jordan.
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Lakers guard Kobe Bryant yells out in frustration after just missing a circus shot against the Nuggets defense late in the first half in game 6 of the NBA Western Conference Finals at the Pepsi Center. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Tracy McGrady says, “To be around Kobe at 19 years old, bro, you would’ve thought Kobe had been here before and been around the greats of the game because his mindset was so different than I’ve ever experienced and ever seen in anybody at 19 years old … This man really, truly thought he was better than Michael Jordan.”
Kobe was known for the elite mentality he possessed. He called it the Mamba Mentality, which inspired athletes and people all around the world. This is just another example of the mentality Kobe had since such a young age.
Is Kobe Bryant better than Michael Jordan?
Although the two are different players who played in two different generations, numerous debates have compared the two.
Jordan wins the battle of titles with 6 NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. On the other hand, Kobe Bryant has 5 NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. Furthermore, Kobe is an 18-time All-Star, while Jordan is a 14 time NBA All-Star.
When talking about stats, Jordan has the upper hand. The Bulls legend averages 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Meanwhile, Kobe averages 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in his 20 seasons in the NBA.
The two NBA legends have faced each other 8 times in their career. Kobe Bryant edges past Michael Jordan with 5 wins out of the 8. In the games between the two, Jordan still has the better stats. He averages 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
Although it is tough to compare two legends of the game, many prefer MJ over Bryant. Surely Jordan has the better stats but Kobe Bryant’s influence on and off the court remains unmatched to date.
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Who is your favorite between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments below.
