Proof Kobe Bryant always wanted to be like Michael Jordan?

Does Kobe want to be like Mike?

It sure looks like it when watching the video above. But then again, these comparisons between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan are never new.

Bryant holds Jordan in high esteem for how many championships he’s won, how he scored at a prolific rate, how he maintained his competitive edge and how he embraced new challenges.

The Lakers’ star has admitted he uses Jordan’s six titles as a barometer. Considering he has five rings himself, Bryant’s not far off.

Phil Jackson, who coached Jordan and Bryant, once said the Lakers’ star is highly motivated to surpass Jordan’s third-place mark on the NBA’s all-time scoring list (32,292). With Bryant in fifth place with 29,484, it’s possible Bryant could top Jordan’s mark.

Yet, Bryant dislikes the comparisons too.

Many, including Jackson, believe it’s unfair for anyone to be compared with Jordan because it’s an incredibly high standard. Bryant doesn’t want any comparison to diminish his own accomplishments. The Lakers’ star doesn’t want to appear arrogant. He wants to pay the proper respect toward one of his idols. And most importantly, Bryant finds it hard to compare himself when he’s mimicked so many of Jordan’s moves.

The above video serves as the perfect exhibit in showcasing those similarities. Bryant and Jordan convert on fadeaways. They nail pull-up jumpers. They use efficient footwork to exploit a sliver of space from their defender to get an open shot. Both of them drive to the rack. They hit the three ball. Bryant and Jordan converts shots that appear impossible. And they make it look easy.

Even with the similarities outlined in this video, resist the urge to compare the two. Whether you think their moves are idential or one is superior to the other, simply enjoy the greatness Bryant and Jordan have bestowed on this game.

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