Despite his small frame, The Answer consistently wreaked havoc on the NBA’s best defenders. In fact, his most dominant moment, stepping over Tyronn Lue, came on the biggest stage of them all – against one of the greatest of all time. During the 2001 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson faced off for an epic series. Although each had a distinctive playing style, their work ethics differed as well.

AI and Kobe both dominated the league throughout the 2000s and frequently faced against one another. But they still held each other in high regard. During an interview, Iverson’s response highlighted a specific trait of the 5-time champion that truly stood out.

Allen Iverson stated the difference between him and Kobe Bryant

The Philadelphia 76ers legend had some infamous view on practice. During a conversation with Geto Boys reloaded, the 2001 NBA MVP elaborated, ?I had a pattern of skipping. Sometimes I was out too late and when I come in there I don’t feel like it. I’m a man, I’m a human.?

WATCH THIS STORY: ?He Passed That Sunday?: Shaquille O?Neal?s 66YO Buddy Reminisces the ?Surreal? Moment When the World Lost NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant

As the hosts found it hard to reason with the athlete, Allen Iverson used a choice comparison to explain. Praising the Los Angeles Lakers legend, AI said that he was only human, while the 5-time champion was on a totally different level. He noted, ?I was not Kobe. Kobe was something else…He was the guy, like I said, we in the club, that motherf***** in the gym.?

That’s how strict Kobe?s discipline was. It even impressed his opponents like Iverson.

The 11x NBA All-Star once went viral for missing a game and his practice sessions. Most are familiar with his iconic practice rant through which he tried to explain his opinion to the people. That was just how he played the game.

Even with that, he used to dominate with his scoring prowess. So much so that the?Black Mamba?had to tip his hat too.

Kobe once praised Allen Iverson

The Lakers legend witnessed his greatness during Iverson?s first few years in the league. During the 2001 NBA playoffs, the players got the opportunity to face off against each other.?

Following this, they clashed frequently for victory on the court. Drawing upon his experience playing against Iverson, the Los Angeles Lakers legend once mentioned, ?We?re all fortunate that Allen Iverson is 6 foot 5, otherwise it would have been over for the league.?

READ MORE: ?WTF?: Disgruntled NBA Fans Unleash Wrath On $16,000,000-Rich Company After Massive Kobe Bryant News Hits Online Platforms

Have you seen their game? Do you think Iverson was right about missing games? Let us know in the comments section below.