Kobe Bryant only needs 99 points to pass Michael Jordan and move into third place on the NBA’s All-Time scoring list. With Bryant closing in on Jordan’s mark, comparison discussions between the two guards are bound to occur.
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As many believe Bryant to be a replica of Jordan as the Laker shares the same competitive drive, Bryant himself has offered praise for Jordan and even ‘welcomed’ the comparisons.
In addition, he gave his admiration for Jordan’s scoring ability and described his love for the way the former Chicago Bull attacked defenders, according to Bleacher Report’s Kevin Ding:
“Aggression. It’s not one game or one play, in particular; it’s just his aggressiveness. It takes a lot of work, a lot of conditioning, skill and thought to be that aggressive and that assertive. He was relentless, man. He just kept coming after you.
Bryant also noted Jordan’s offensive versatility:
“He just kept attacking, attacking, attacking—and attacking in different ways, from different spots on the floor, with different forms of footwork. Posting, perimeter, versatility…”
Of course, Bryant has been pretty aggressive in his own front. Sometimes his aggressiveness has lead to wins, but plenty of times it has led to Bryant shooting his way to losses, especially this season.
Against the Washington Wizards, Bryant came out firing early in the game mainly hitting his jumpers as he scorched the Wizard defense for 15 points in the opening frame. By the time the game ended, Kobe cooled down, missing all of his second half shots.
Even in the midst of the scoring drought, Bryant came out firing trying to bring the Lakers back into the game and did so by any means necessary. With his shot not falling, he was able to draw fouls and score from the free throw line.
While the Lakers didn’t come up with the win Wednesday, Bryant’s overall game has led him to five NBA championships. Only time will tell if he will ever match Jordan’s six, even those odds seem unlikely now.
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