“You should feel the defense with your legs”: When Michael Jordan gave fledgling Lakers star Kobe Bryant keys to his success at fadeaway jumpers

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant had one real duel with each other during the GOAT’s Bulls career. Jordan gave some invaluable advice to the young un.

The Lakers legend had only just begun his NBA career in 1996. This was the time of peak 3-peat Jordan, whose Bulls team had won 141 games in two regular seasons along with 2 titles. Many believe MJ should’ve had 3 straight MVP trophies from 1995-1998.

Although the Bulls were without Scottie at the start of the 97-98 season, they had more than enough to see off a Lakers team without Shaq. The scoreline finished 104-83 in favor of the Bulls. The blowout was sealed late in the 4th quarter.

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Jordan had 33 points on the night, but it was Kobe who topscored in the game. The 19-year-old piled in 36 points on 12-of-20 shooting after beginning his night with a baseline jumper in MJ’s grill.

Michael Jordan gave great tip to Kobe Bryant

Right in the middle of the enthralling duel between the 2 greatest players at the guard position, Jordan had a piece of advice for Kobe. Kobe Bryant asked Michael Jordan how he shot his fadeaways and Michael helped the kid with telling the secret:

“You should feel the defense with your legs. Once you learn it, you can get advantage of that.”

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Clearly Kobe took this advice into account while polishing his offensive repertoire. Bryant went on to become one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Many believe his level of skill from mid-range and the post rivals and even surpasses that of Jordan. One can trace his dominance back to this conversation.