“Why the Hell Would I Not Look Him in the Eye?”: Kobe Bryant Was Once Warned About Michael Jordan and He Took the Challenge Personally
NBA icon Michael Jordan, noted for his iconic years with the Chicago Bulls, struck fear into his opponents during his playing days. Countless players feared facing the wrath of Jordan on the hardwood. However, that was not the case for the Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. In fact, he was not afraid to face him despite getting warned by one of his teammates. Fans might be a little amused after knowing what the Black Mamba said in reply to his teammate’s warning.
Bryant and Jordan faced each other for the first time on December 17, 1996. The five-time champion was a rookie while His Airness had already established himself back then. However, KB24 was seemingly not scared to face the former Bulls players on the hardwood.
Kobe Bryant didn’t fear facing Michael Jordan for the first time
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A fan page related to Bryant recently shared a video that revealed how the 18x All-Star was not afraid to confront Jordan on the court. In the video, the Lakers legend said, “First time I was getting ready to face Jordan. I had a teammate and he goes to me and said, ‘Hey, you want some advice? Whatever you do, don’t look him [Jordan] in the eye.'”
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However, the five-time champion was a bit startled after hearing the aforementioned statement and therefore said the following. He said, “Wait, excuse me? Why the hell would I not look him in the eye? I don’t think my teammate understood that I’m that too. Can’t look me in the eye either buddy.”
“Don’t look Michael Jordan in the eye.”
Kobe Bryant…pic.twitter.com/eFI3Enj6X5
— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) February 17, 2023
The Black Mamba made it clear to his teammate that he was going to look into the Black Jesus’ eyes because he was not afraid to face him. Moreover, the Lakers legend wished that MJ feared him rather than him being scared of the former Bulls player.
Jordan schooled Bryant on their first meet
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Bryant wanted to prove himself in front of arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. However, the Black Mamba’s dream was shattered once he faced him on the floor. Jordan embarrassed him with his signature ‘pirouette spin’ at the baseline. However, in a past interview, the late Lakers’ legend admitted that getting schooled by the 14x All-Star was the coolest thing, happening during their first match-up.
Jordan and the Bulls came out victorious when Bryant and the Lakers locked horns with them. MJ finished the game with 30 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while KB24 ended the game with just five points and a rebound.
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Watch this story- “Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI racing did not face the same drama like Dwayne Johnson’s forgotten NASCAR team”
What are your thoughts on Kobe Bryant’s statements? Do let us know in the comments below!
Edited by:
Abhishek Kumar