Ex-NBA star recalls INSULTING Kobe Bryant by name-dropping Michael Jordan

NBA legend Kobe Bryant exemplified competitiveness on the basketball court. Bryant always sought to be the best player on the court, showcasing a hunger for greatness. Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan shared a similar style of play and are regarded as two of the greatest shooting guards in the NBA. On a recent episode of the Gilbert Arenas podcast, Gilbert Arenas and his co-hosts reminisced about Bryant and discussed their favorite moments from the career of the Lakers legend.

In the podcast, Rashad McCants mentioned one incident when he insulted Kobe Bryant back in 2001. He explained that he and Bryant were both on the line with only seconds left on the clock. Bryant ordered McCants to pass him the ball so he could take the shot.

In response, McCants stated that only Michael Jordan could make such a shot. This comment offended Bryant, who gave McCants a death stare. Bryant then proceeded to make the shot.

I insulted him immediately. It was like a point eight on the clock, three quarter court, and I'm like he's literally like telling him, like, give me the ball and I'm about to make the shot. And I'm like man only Michael Jordan make this type of motherfu***ng shot. And the look he gave me, Michael don't you ever say that name around me.

Rashad McCants via Gils Arena

This incident certainly made McCants respect Bryant for his competitiveness. Throughout his career Bryant was considered the second coming of Jordan as both stars shared many similarities both on and off the court. Both Bryant and Jordan played 11 games against each other in the NBA. Their first game was in 1996, when a young Kobe straight from the high school went against an MVP Jordan.

Overall, Bryant had a clear edge over against Jordan as he went 5-3 in the regular season and 2-1 in the All-Star game. Keeping aside the competitiveness, both stars shared great respect for each other. Bryant idolized Jordan as a big brother and mentor. The Mamba certainly learned many of his tricks from Jordan and even managed to take it up a notch.

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The final showdown between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan

Both Jordan and Bryant were among the fiercest competitors on the court. The two matched up only 11 times in their career. But whenever both stars played against each other, it was a spectacle to watch. In the early days of Bryant, Jordan kept the young Kobe dominated through his polished skills and experience on the court.

During the 2003 All-Star game, Bryant and the West won against Jordan and his East. Even though Jordan lost the game, he landed one of the deepest verbal blows to Bryant about not filling his shoes.

This led to the final showdown between both stars. In the game between Wizards and Lakers in March 2003, Mamba went on beast mode and destroyed the Jordan-led Wizards. At the end of the game Bryant had 55 points and showed Jordan his true potential.

Both stars had a great rivalry with one of the best scoring games fans have ever seen. Bryant earned Jordan’s respect and went on to have one of the best careers in the NBA, similar to that of Jordan. Many young stars entering the league have idolized both Bryant and Jordan as they serve as examples of greatness.

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