Former NBA Champion Compares MJ and Kobe

When Kobe Bryant entered the NBA, he had one goal in mind. Be like Michael Jordan and be better than Michael Jordan. While he may not have been able to reach his second goal, he certainly reached the first. Anyone who watched both Kobe and MJ play could see the similarities. Kobe studied MJ’s every move, and his game was a modern take on MJ’s style and skillset. 

In fact, for many, it is hard to actually find things that differentiate the two players. Besides their career accomplishments, where Jordan slightly edges out Kobe, most everything else about them is quite similar.

Horace Grant, who won multiple championships with Jordan and won one with Kobe and the Lakers towards the end of his career, weighed in on the comparisons between MJ and Kobe. 

“The similarities — it’s like being a twin… The work ethic, not just on the court but off the court. For example, MJ knew he had to get stronger because the Pistons were busting our a** back in the day. That dude was just in the weight room building his physique up. If Kobe would go 5/20, that dude was just in the weight room building his physique up. The work ethic, the passion, the love of the game, and them making their teammates better.”

It’s pretty cool to hear someone who played with both MJ and Kobe compare them. There are only a few guys who got to share the court with both Kobe and MJ, and even fewer who played alongside both of them. Grant’s insight is invaluable.