A few weeks ago the ever insightful Bill Simmons of ESPN.com announced his choice for NBA MVP. Simmons went through each of the players he thought were the top candidates and settled on Kobe Bryant.
The basketball world has often debated the comparison between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Is Kobe like Mike? Both players left an indelible mark on the NBA and built legacies that transcend statistics and championships. While Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Kobe Bryant, through his relentless work ethic and unmatched competitiveness, earned a place in that same conversation. But is Kobe truly like Mike?
Skillsets and Playing Style
Kobe Bryant’s style on the court drew unmistakable comparisons to Jordan throughout his career. From the mid-range game to the footwork, both players thrived as scoring machines with a smooth offensive arsenal that included fadeaway jumpers, drives to the basket, and clutch performances in critical moments. What made the comparison even more palpable is Kobe’s own admission that he modeled his game after Jordan’s.
Jordan’s Influence on Kobe: Kobe was often seen mimicking Jordan’s movements, adopting his post-up game, and even his swagger on the court. However, where they differed slightly was in Kobe’s willingness to take even more difficult shots. Often referred to as a “tough-shot maker,” Kobe had an inclination to take fadeaways and contested jumpers that would be a gamble for most players.
Both Jordan and Kobe had a profound basketball IQ, but Jordan’s efficiency stood out. While Kobe had a reputation for sometimes forcing shots, Jordan was methodical and more precise, shooting at a higher percentage throughout his career.
Mentality and Competitive Edge
The comparison between Kobe and Jordan isn’t just about their skill sets; it’s about their mental approach to the game. Kobe’s famous “Mamba Mentality” was a reflection of the same cutthroat competitiveness that defined Jordan’s career. Both players were known for their killer instinct, their desire to win at all costs and their relentless work ethic.
The Mamba Mentality: Kobe’s mentality became a defining part of his legacy. His rigorous training routines, discipline, and focus on personal improvement often mirrored the stories that emerged about Jordan’s intense commitment to the game. Kobe carried this mentality well into his later years, inspiring a new generation of players, including Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum.
Where Kobe and Jordan truly shared similarities was in their leadership. Though Kobe’s leadership style evolved over time—moving from more brash to a mentor role in his later years—it was always driven by a burning desire to win. This echoed Jordan’s approach, whose teammates knew that while he demanded a lot, he often willed them to greatness.
Championships and Legacy
Both Kobe and Jordan are remembered not just for their accomplishments but for their ability to win championships and elevate their teams. Jordan’s six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls remain unmatched in terms of dominance in a single era, while Kobe’s five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers cement his place among the NBA’s all-time greats.
Championship Runs: Jordan went 6-0 in NBA Finals appearances, a feat that continues to hold significant weight in the GOAT conversation. Kobe, on the other hand, made seven Finals appearances and finished 5-2, with his most significant title victories coming alongside Shaquille O’Neal during the early 2000s.
While Kobe’s championships after Shaq—particularly the back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010—were seen as personal triumphs, Jordan’s ability to dominate an entire decade set the standard for what it means to be an NBA champion.
Stats and Accolades
Statistically, Jordan and Kobe are incredibly comparable. Both were elite scorers, with Jordan averaging 30.1 points per game throughout his career and Kobe averaging 25 points per game. In terms of accolades, Jordan won five MVPs to Kobe’s, a disparity that often comes up in discussions about their greatness.
However, Kobe does hold some statistical advantages. For instance, Kobe ranks fourth all-time in points scored, while Jordan is fifth. Kobe also has more All-Star appearances (18 to Jordan’s 14) and was an 11-time All-NBA First Team selection compared to Jordan’s 10.
But beyond the numbers, both players have left an undeniable mark on the game. Their tenacity, scoring prowess, and leadership qualities make them icons of the sport, forever linked in basketball history.
What’s Next for Kobe’s Legacy?
Kobe Bryant’s untimely passing in 2020 left an undeniable void in the basketball world, but his legacy continues to evolve in ways that transcend the sport. More than just a comparison to Michael Jordan, Kobe’s legacy is rooted in his Mamba Mentality, his influence on the next generation of athletes, and his off-the-court contributions that continue to shape his enduring impact.
Mamba Mentality as a Legacy
One of the most profound aspects of Kobe’s legacy is the concept of the Mamba Mentality. This was more than just a catchy slogan—it was a lifestyle. Kobe defined it as the relentless pursuit of excellence, not just in basketball but in every aspect of life. Whether it was through his infamous 4 a.m. workouts, his never-satisfied hunger to improve, or his ability to thrive under pressure, the Mamba Mentality became a global symbol of grit and perseverance.
Athletes across the world, from different sports, have embraced this mindset. Stars like Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, and Neymar have referenced Kobe’s mentality in their training and approach to competition. Even in the years following his death, athletes continue to invoke the Mamba Mentality when pushing through adversity. Young NBA players like Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker, who were personally mentored by Kobe, have explicitly credited their success to the principles Kobe instilled in them.
Kobe’s Influence Beyond Basketball
Kobe’s influence goes beyond the basketball court. After his retirement, Kobe embarked on a second career as a storyteller and entrepreneur. His short film Dear Basketball won an Academy Award in 2018, showcasing his ability to translate his love for the sport into art. His ventures into the entertainment world, through his multimedia production company Granity Studios, showed a different side of Kobe—a visionary who wanted to inspire young athletes and dreamers through storytelling.
Kobe was also deeply involved in philanthropy. His Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which supports underprivileged young athletes, has continued its work posthumously, helping young girls gain access to sports and educational opportunities. This element of his legacy, particularly his advocacy for women’s sports, highlights Kobe’s enduring commitment to empowering others. He was a vocal supporter of the WNBA, regularly attending games and mentoring players, which helped bring greater visibility to women’s basketball. His daughter Gianna, a rising basketball star in her own right, was a key reason for his advocacy, and Kobe’s legacy in this realm has sparked more conversations about the importance of gender equity in sports.
Kobe’s Global Impact and International Legacy
One of the most remarkable things about Kobe was his international appeal. His fluency in multiple languages, including Spanish and Italian, and his extensive travel background helped make him a global icon. Kobe played a crucial role in growing the NBA’s popularity across the globe, particularly in China, where basketball is a massive part of the sports culture. Kobe’s influence in China extended far beyond his time as an NBA player, as he became a beloved figure there due to his work ethic, humility, and accessibility to fans.
In 2021, his image and ethos were at the forefront of the NBA’s push to continue expanding its presence internationally. More athletes from Europe and Asia cite Kobe as their biggest inspiration, and many young international players view him as the blueprint for what it means to succeed in the NBA.
The Impact on the Next Generation of Athletes
Kobe’s mentorship of younger players before his death has had a lasting effect on how future stars approach the game. Players like Trae Young, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis have openly discussed how their conversations with Kobe shaped their understanding of basketball and life off the court. Even today, players wear special Kobe-inspired sneakers and often channel his Mamba Mentality during key moments in games, continuing his influence in ways that go beyond mere imitation.
In a modern NBA, where mental toughness and individual drive are often the deciding factors in a player’s success, Kobe’s teachings resonate deeply. His focus on the mental aspect of basketball is perhaps one of the most enduring parts of his legacy, encouraging players to push through obstacles both in their professional careers and personal lives.
Evolving Legacy: From Player to Icon
As we look to the future, Kobe Bryant’s legacy will continue to evolve. Statues, tributes, and documentaries will keep his story alive, but the real impact lies in how his life continues to inspire others. Players will keep studying his game footage, mimicking his footwork, and learning from his mentality. Off the court, his impact on women’s sports, storytelling, and philanthropy ensures that Kobe remains a multifaceted figure whose legacy cannot be confined to just basketball.
His widow, Vanessa Bryant, continues to spearhead initiatives in his name, ensuring that the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation carries on their work. Furthermore, as younger athletes and fans discover Kobe’s legacy, his philosophy of hard work, perseverance, and excellence is sure to inspire countless others in sports and beyond.
In essence, while the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant left a permanent void, his legacy is an active force, continuing to influence not just how basketball is played, but how athletes approach their craft, compete, and carry themselves off the court.
