The release of the latest episodes of ‘The Last Dance’ has refreshed memories of Kobe Bryant fans. His appearance in the documentary has made everyone nostalgic. The fans also got an insight into the mutual respect between him and Michael Jordan, something which was alien to many.

Michael Wilbon joined Scott Van Pelt on ESPN to discuss episodes 5 and 6 of the new docu-series. Wilbon added weight to the uniqueness of the bond that the two stars shared.

He pushed on the point, “Kobe called him ‘all the time’.” Well, yes. Michael Jordan did mention that at Kobe’s memorial service at the Staples Center. Moreover, with tears in his eyes, he said on the stage, “When Kobe died, a piece of me died.” And at that moment, several hearts broke watching Jordan tear up on the stage.

MJ also referred to Kobe as his little brother at his memorial. “Maybe it surprised people … but we were very close friends.” That was the first time people found what they had between them.

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant had ‘enormous’ mutual respect

Wilbon told on ESPN, “There was this enormous respect. Each one of those guys they were worried that people outside looking will take it the wrong way.” He added, “That relationship was closer, I think than anybody understood. At the memorial when Michael had the reaction he did and told the story about Kobe being a nuisance to a point as a little brother. There was such fondness on a daily basis there for years.”

The two great players, who were continuously pitted against each other for comparison, were actually like brothers for real. Jordan ruled the NBA in the 90s but Kobe was right there, as the next big thing in the game.

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Kobe was very similar to MJ. His drive to win was quite close to Michael’s. Who knew that those two, who were being compared on a regular basis, were actually looking to push each other ahead in the game. This was surely something special coming from MJ!

“That Motherf*** Spun so Fast”: When Michael Jordan Got the Better of a Rookie Kobe Bryant