“Kobe Bryant knew Michael Jordan was in the stands”: Phil Jackson once described Lakers legend’s most frustrating trait

Kobe Bryant was one of the most disciplined athletes ever to walk the earth. The man knew no boundaries when it came to chasing his dream to become the best on the basketball court.

The Black Mamba was just 17 when he started that dream. People might not have started taking him seriously until the turn of this century, but the 6ft 6’ was sure he’d one day catch up to his idol, Michael Jeffery Jordan.

He did everything humanly possible to be like Mike and better than him, but whenever he faced or played in front of him, he just behaved according to his age. And Phil Jackson for one did not like it at all.

Also read: “Kobe Bryant is probably the best 1-on-1 player in the game”: Kevin Durant once chose The Mamba over 6ft 9′ LeBron James

Kobe Bryant would always showcase all his skills when Michael Jordan was watching

Kobe always made it a point to put on a show whenever Michael Jordan was in attendance, whether in a basketball uniform or in the stands watching a Lakers game. And the former coach of both legendary guards, Phil Jackson, noticed those things firsthand.

It actually frustrated the former Lakers Head Coach. Reminiscing about it years later, he talked about the time when MJ was retired for the second time and had come to watch them play.

“I think Kobe had like 40 points first half. I turn to the coaches and said Kobe knows Michael’s in the stands” said Phil Jackson.

What else the man was supposed to do when his idol was sitting at the courtside, Phil? Kobe had to show ‘His Airness’ how he was following all his moves to perfection and wasn’t lagging behind him in any criteria to be the next best.

Also read: “They Might’ve Had Something On Us”: Draymond Green Mentions Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant While Revealing Better Big 3 Than Warriors’

Kobe emulated MJ as close as it gets

Although he didn’t get close to his ten-scoring titles like MJ, Bryant did win two. He averaged over 25 points per game for 20 years and made 9x All-Defensive First Team selections and 3x Second Teams to Mike’s Nine First Teams.

While proving himself one of the best two-way players of all time, Bryant also won five championships to Jordan’s six. That left the smallest gap in both greats’ careers which separates them in most people’s GOAT discussions.

So, for people who didn’t see MJ play a 48-minute game in his time, Kobe Bryant was as close as it could get. If you didn’t see him play live either, we feel sorry for you.

Also read:  “You need more accolades before you talk to me”: Kobe Bryant Once Savagely Responded to Smush Parker’s Small Talk Attempt

About the author

Akash Murty

An Electrical and Electronics Engineer by degree, Akash Murty is an NBA Editor at The SportsRush. Previously a Software Engineer, Murty couldn’t keep himself away from sports, and his knack for writing and putting his opinion forward brought him to the TSR. A big Soccer enthusiast, his interest in basketball developed late, as he got access to a hoop for the first time at 17. Following this, he started watching basketball at the 2012 Olympics, which transitioned to NBA, and he became a fan of the game as he watched LeBron James dominate the league. Him being an avid learner of the game and ritually following the league for around a decade, he now writes articles ranging from throwbacks, and live game reports, to gossip. LA Lakers are his favourite basketball team, while Chelsea has his heart in football. He also likes travelling, reading fiction, and sometimes cooking.

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