Before Modeling His Game After Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant Disliked Bulls Legend for Humbling Magic Johnson: “Not Supposed to Happen”

Kobe Bryant‘s legendary career in the NBA is often compared to that of Michael Jordan, and for good reason. The late basketball superstar openly idolized Jordan and even patterned his game after the Chicago Bulls legend. But it wasn’t always that way. In fact, there was a time when Bryant harbored a dislike for Jordan, all because of a moment that occurred in 1984. According to a passage from Roland Lazenby’s book “Showboat,” this incident marked the beginning of Kobe’s fascination with MJ, eventually leading him to become one of the greatest players in basketball history.

In 1984, Bryant was a 13-year-old kid living in Italy. He was watching the U.S. Olympic team practice for the upcoming Games in Los Angeles. During one practice, Jordan took on Magic Johnson in a one-on-one game. Jordan posterized Johnson, dunking over him with ease. Bryant was stunned.

The 1984 Olympic Practice

During the summer of 1984, a young Kobe Bryant was preparing for a trip to Italy when he stumbled upon a televised practice session of the U.S. Olympic team getting ready for the Games in Los Angeles. It was here that Bryant first encountered Michael Jordan, who was part of the collegiate team playing against pro players. In a play etched into Bryant’s memory, Jordan executed a breathtaking move on the fast break, soaring above Magic Johnson for an emphatic dunk. This display of athleticism left a lasting impression on the teenage Bryant.

Bryant recalls, “It was over Magic, and dunked and flew past Magic. That’s not supposed to happen. Who was this kid? I don’t like this kid ’cause Magic was my guy. I think that’s the first time I saw him.” 

It was in this moment of disbelief and discontent that a seed was planted in Bryant’s mind, igniting his curiosity and fueling his determination to surpass his idol and prove himself on the basketball court.

Kobe Bryant’s Transformation and the Michael Jordan Connection

This encounter with Jordan and the subsequent dislike would shape the years to come for Kobe Bryant. He became a relentless student of the game, studying Jordan’s every move, and striving to replicate his style of play. From his footwork to his fadeaway jumper, Bryant meticulously dissected Jordan’s game and made it his own.

The similarities between Bryant and Jordan were uncanny. Both possessed an unmatched work ethic, an unwavering desire to win, and a killer instinct in crunch time. Shaquille O’Neal, who played alongside Bryant during their successful tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, once commented that Bryant was the only player who came awfully close to being like Jordan.

Kobe Bryant’s obsession with surpassing his idol translated into an illustrious career, earning him five NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and countless All-Star appearances. Every time he stepped on the court, his drive to emulate Jordan’s greatness shone through, and his dedication to perfecting his craft earned him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow players alike.