Despite being rivals, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant shared mutual respect and a cordial relationship with each other. One of their iconic faceoffs came during the 2001 NBA Finals, wherein the Lakers defeated the Iverson’s 76ers 4-1 in the series. Like everybody else, Al was a huge fan of the Mamba’s competitive drive and performance on the court. However, he was disappointed to note how Kobe was usually left out when comparing players to Michael Jordan. Although Iverson grew up idolizing ‘His Airness’, the then 43-year-old in 2018 remarked on Kobe’s glorious achievements and legacy in the NBA.
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Kobe and Allen Iverson were fiercely competitive in the prime of their careers. The Mamba would even study sharks and watch Iverson’s games to study his method of play. Kobe devised strategies and planned to try slowing Iverson when poaching for the basket. He would practice on them for days before finally showing his output on the court.
Allen Iverson was disappointed not to see Kobe Bryant in comparison with Michael Jordan
Allen Iverson has always considered Michael Jordan as his GOAT growing up. He had shaped his career and style of play, taking inspiration from ‘His Airness’. However, when acknowledging the best players, Al knows what he is talking about. Kobe and Al have competed in the NBA for over nine seasons. Although fierce competitors, Iverson always enjoyed Kobe’s work ethic and brilliance. However, it was shocking for Al to see Kobe not included in the list compared to Jordan. In this clip from kobehighlight, here is what Iverson had to say about the Mamba.
“When they talk about comparing him [Kobe] to Mike, I don’t understand how they don’t have a debate. When it came to Kobe, I don’t get it. What, you forgot or something? What, they forgot? I really think they forgot the Mamba man! This man was a certified killer, dog. Every single night, I’ve never seen nobody kill like 23 and 24 and 8.”
Interestingly, it was not just Allen Iverson who idolized Michael Jordan in the way he did. As described by his Lakers teammates, Kobe Bryant was obsessed with MJ as a rookie. He would compulsively watch MJ’s highlights and press-conference clips to ‘be like Mike.’ Furthermore, he would even replicate Jordan’s moves on the court. Kobe wanted to establish himself and his identity rather than being the ‘next Michael Jordan.’ And surely, he had successfully left a lasting impact on several youngsters who get drafted into the league each season.
Allen Iverson used to cry when Pistons continually defeated the Bulls
The ’80s era was a phase of transition for the Bulls. Alongside Jordan, the Chicago franchise was trying to carve its way toward success. However, their fiercest rivals, the Detroit Pistons, would overwhelm them in crucial playoff series and Conference Finals thrice. A hardcore MJ fan, watching the Bulls continually lose used to dishearten young Allen Iverson. He has admitted to crying because of the Bulls’ continuous defeats against the Pistons in the last 80s.
Perhaps, Iverson was the happiest when he first faced Jordan in 1997. He gleefully remembers every detail from his first match against His Airness. Al was fascinated seeing MJ wear his iconic Air Jordan shoes. In his 2016 Hall of Fame speech, Iverson duly recalled this moment, crediting MJ to inspire him to be like Mike.
