Former Lakers Teammate Reveals the Extent of How Much Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan Were Alike

Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton sees some significant similarities between Kobe Bryant & Michael Jordan after watching ‘The Last Dance’.

Walton played alongside Bryant during his time at Los Angeles Lakers. He had started his NBA career with the Lakers in 2003. He stayed there till 2012 before playing a year for Cleveland Cavaliers. For him, watching The Last Dance was like watching Bryant play in that generation.

“It was wild, sitting there watching these episodes so far, because I feel like I am watching Kobe Bryant play in the ’80s and early ’90s with a different team,” Walton told The Athletic. “(Sunday) night, you see that look on (Jordan’s) face and you hear him tell Horace Grant: ‘Don’t let them see you, don’t let them see you whine, don’t let them see that you’re in pain.’ I mean, playing with Kobe Bryant, those were (his) words.”

It is not surprising, considering how much Kobe had always admired Jordan. The two always had a similar approach to the game. Since his early days, people dubbed Kobe as the next Jordan. With an illustrious 20-year career, Bryant certainly lived up to expectations.

Also, Jordan and Bryant had always maintained a brother-like relationship. The relationship was evident when Bryant died, as Jordan mourned the loss of his “little brother”.

Kobe Bryant & Michael Jordan dominated the ball

Walton talked about how both Jordan and Bryant had the tendency to keep the ball with them. He recalled how Tex Winter, an assistant coach with whom both worked, would shout at them to move the ball.

“He had a two-count to move the ball. The ball either had to be dribbled, passed or shot within a two-count and if Kobe didn’t do it, Tex would be losing his mind behind the bench. So, to hear Jordan going through the same thing, two of the greatest players of all time, was pretty good,” Walton recalled.

With their competitive approach to the game, both Jordan and Bryant have left a legacy in the sport. Both have a significant following in the world of basketball. Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash, will become an honorary Hall of Famer later this year in August.