“I Hope I’ll Be Able to Talk to Him More”: Watch a Young Kobe Bryant Talk About His First Meeting With Michael Jordan

Kobe Bryant had a legendary career in the NBA. It spanned 20 years and he was loyal to the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant won five championships with the team including a historic three-peat.

Kobe entered the league very young. He still remains one of the very few players to have skipped college to join the NBA. Just like any other kid, Michael Jordan was his idol growing up. Bryant has shared many stories about the pair and always referred to him as his big brother. Likewise, Jordan called Kobe his little brother.

Kobe Bryant meets Jordan for the first time

Bryant at the age of 17 had already established himself as one among the best basketball players in the country. His high school records spoke for themselves. He was also honored with the Naismith High School Player of the Year.

Kobe joined the Lakers in 1996 when the Charlottle Hornets selected him as the 13th overall pick in the NBA draft. The Hornets then traded him to the 16-time NBA champions.

Bryant and Jordan’s first meeting on the court came on December 17, 1996. Before their on-court encounter, a 17-year-old Kobe went to a Bulls game where he met Jordan for the first time.

Bryant was also interviewed on live television during his attendance. Such was the reputation the 17-year-old high schooler held back then. 

Speaking about his experience meeting Jordan, Bryant said,

“It’s a great feeling. A person I’ve always looked up to. It’s great when you meet your idol, and it’s a great experience. I hope in the future I’ll be able to talk to him some more.”

Bryant did talk to Jordan a lot more after he joined the league. Everyone deemed Bryant as the heir of Jordan, but he was beyond all that. He took inspiration from Jordan but never would he have thought of taking over the throne of Jordan.

Bryant was also asked about the major decision which plagued the minds of everyone. “College or the NBA?”

Kobe was calm enough to hold it in and he said that he hadn’t made up his mind yet. He stated that there was still time and he’d decide around late April or early May.