When Michael Jordan Was Asked to Choose Between LeBron James or Kobe Bryant

• The late Kobe Bryant and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James are two of NBA's greatest players
• Both have won multiple NBA titles, scored many points, set almost unbreakable records and influenced millions
• In 2013, Michael Jordan was asked to choose between the two icons, and he gave an answer you'd expect

There's nothing that gets heated reactions from NBA fans than comparing NBA legends. Michael Jordan and LeBron James have always been the main subjects in the NBA GOAT discussions.

The Chicago Bulls icon was asked to pick between the Los Angeles Lakers star and the late Kobe Bryant.

James and Bryant have won everything in the NBA, but the former Cleveland Cavaliers star has been taking down Jordan and Bryant's records.

Bryant retired in 2016 after 20 seasons with the Lakers. He led them to NBA titles in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010 and was named the MVP in 2008.

Read also

Mikel Obi slams Nicolas Jackson after Chelsea's loss to Man City: video

Only three players have scored more points than him in NBA history. Wilt Chamberlain (100) is the only player to score more points in a game than Bryant (81).

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others sadly passed away in January 2020, per AP.

Meanwhile, James is 39 and is heading to his 22nd NBA season. In February 2023, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer, per ESPN.

Bryant retired with five NBA titles, while James has four.

Jordan weighs in on James vs Bryant

In 2013 the six-time NBA champion was asked to pick between Bryant and James. He jokingly said Kevin Durant but proceeded to give a detailed answer.

"In terms of dominance of the game of basketball at this stage, it’s LeBron. Championship-wise, it’s Kobe Bryant. He wants it so bad; he’s willing to go to the extreme," he said via Sportscasting.

Read also

Top 5 ex-Cristiano Ronaldo teammates who are free agents

"Guarding a guy, guarding the point guards at age 34, and playing 38 minutes, 40 minutes — that’s ludicrous. I think this is what he’s battling with. It is what it is. He’s cursed as much as I am. If you had to pick between the two, that would be a tough choice but five beats one."

Reactions to the video:

Here are some of the responses to the video.

@nasholston5112:

"The man single handedly and I mean that literally turned a 20 pt deficit into a 20 pt win. 55 in the second half. There are all time greats who haven't scored 55 in a single game. Just mind blowing. RIP Mamba."

@Angeloni700:

"Kobe’s grandma only came to see Kobe play once in he’s career. That one time is when Kobe scored 81 points against Raptors!"

@Zeeqoah:

"When a single game highlight reel is longer than most players career highlights. We miss you man."

Read also

Lionel Messi comments on whether Michael Jordan is a bigger GOAT than him

@0biRonKenobi:

"I can't even imagine what it must've been like to be at this game. Fans came to stadium expecting to have a fun time and hopefully see a good game and end up witnessing a legendary moment in NBA history. Wild. RIP Kobe."

@le0741:

"Respect to the man saying “Kobeeeee Bryant” every time he scores."

@Katorse143:

"This game is literally Kobe vs. Toronto."

@irwincrookedneck1375:

"Kobe was legit. No smile, straight game face."

@ISAAC109:

"81 points on 61% shooting, Kobe was AMAZING."

Jordan has always been considered the NBA GOAT, but some feel James is.

Messi or Jordan?

Briefly News earlier reported that Lionel Messi discussed who is the bigger GOAT between him and Michael Jordan.

The Inter Miami star said Jordan is the best, adding that he was convinced after watching the Last Dance.

Source: TUKO.co.ke