By: Debadrita Ghosh Image credit: NBA and Twitter.
Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest basketball players of all time and a born competitor. He was a gifted talent in the NBA, and right from the beginning of his career, he had high ambitions.
Kobe was drafted in 1996 and entered the league at a time when Michael Jordan dominated. While the rest of the league was afraid of the Bulls’ superstar, Kobe was enthralled by him.
He was highly influenced by Michael Jordan and always wished to become his toughest competitor. Kobe once said, "I don't want to be the next Jordan, I just want to be Kobe Bryant."
The legendary No. 23's game and movements were often imitated by the No. 24, despite his constant denials.
Celtics' Kevin Garnett said, "He [Kobe] was obsessed. He chose 24 because of Jordan. He picked it because in his mind he was above Michael. The 24 over the 23. It was a shot at Jordan."
Kobe was always compared to Jordan due to his obsession with winning. He always wanted to equal and surpass Jordan in all aspects. Garnett also said, "Every record that Jordan had, Kobe chased it."
Jordan has always been an inspiration to Kobe; he aspired to be like Jordan, beat him, and win the title of best player. But he was also humble enough to never put himself ahead of the man.
Kobe had the best work ethic the league had ever seen, with Michael Jordan serving as the sole comparable. Even Jordan thinks that Kobe is the only player who can be compared to him.
Shaquille O’Neal Says Kobe Bryant Was a “Different Animal” Than Michael Jordan, Reveals What Made Him Different Than Kobe and Jordan Check it out