“Kobe Bryant was the second best thing we had seen to Michael Jordan!”: When the Lakers legend took the fight to one of the greatest defenses of all-time at the age of 22

Kobe Bryant is by far one of the most beloved figures in sports and probably the closest thing we will ever see to a prime Michael Jordan. 

Drafted out of Lower Merion High in 1996, Kobe Bryant was destined for greatness. He had all the skills and more importantly the determination to be the best.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing. The Black Mamba originally found himself in Charlotte, before forcing a trade to the Lakers. He had some scandals, including his infamous beef with Shaquille O’Neal.

Nevertheless, his mentality and drive are what got him to the top. Kobe ended his career averaging 25 points, 5 rebounds, and close to 5 assists a game.

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He truly was a basketball phenom, and even came close to replicating the success of his idol Michael Jordan, but fell one short in the rings category.

Kobe Bryant was quite easily the second coming of Michael Jordan both in skill and mentality

Growing up, there was one player whom Kobe modeled his game after. That player was none other than Michael Jordan, widely considered the GOAT.

From their style of play to the way they approached the game psychologically. It was almost like Kobe was a carbon copy of MJ. This also included how they terrorized their competition.

In the year 2000, Kobe Bryant showed Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and the San Antonio Spurs just why he is considered to be the second coming of Air Jordan at just 22 years of age!

He truly was a joy to watch and will continue to be missed by basketball fans all around the world.

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