Kobe Bryant had a profound admiration for Michael Jordan. He idolized “His Airness” and sought to emulate every aspect of his game from the moment he began learning to play basketball. Just like his idol, Kobe consistently motivated his team with his ‘Black Mamba’ mentality.
Although he is no longer with us, Kobe remains one of the best players of his generation. While he idolized Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant also shared an intriguing story that sheds light on why he never accepted several invitations to play alongside MJ.
MJ presented Kobe Bryant at Hall of Fame induction
After retiring from professional basketball, Michael Jordan satisfies his competitive drive through golf. Jordan’s legendary competitiveness extends to the golf course, where he plays with fellow celebrities. According to Kobe Bryant, Jordan had invited him multiple times and kept turning him down. Kobe Bryant said “Michael is competitive in all things that don’t make sense,”
Whether it was on the court or off, the North Carolina native always strived to outperform everyone. On the basketball court, he displayed unwavering determination to lead his teams to victory. On the golf course, it became a contest of intelligence, pride, and, most importantly, skill. Kobe was well aware of this, so he turned down every one of Jordan’s invitations to join him for a round of golf.
“He would try to get me to play golf all the time. ‘Mike, I know about you. I’ve written book reports about you in elementary school. I know you started playing golf in North Carolina. So that means if I’m doing the math, you’ve been playing golf for like a hundred years. I have not picked up a golf club ever. The last thing you’re going to do is get me on a golf course and annihilate me. Not gonna do it,”.
Kobe explained that Jordan made several attempts to invite him to play golf. But Kobe had the wisdom not to challenge a legend who was already a skilled golfer, especially when he was far from being even a novice player.
MJ presented Kobe Bryant at Hall of Fame induction
Kobe Bryant spent much of his life following the path paved by Michael Jordan. Now, Jordan will guide Bryant by formally inviting him to the pinnacle of basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This honor, long delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, is a poignant moment for the late Los Angeles Lakers legend. He joins a star-studded 2020 class, including Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Tamika Catchings, and coach Kim Mulkey.
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, will pay tribute to her late husband, while Jordan, himself a 2009 Hall of Fame inductee, will stand by her side. Kobe’s untimely death on January 26, 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, had a profound impact on the world. Following his passing, Vanessa chose Jordan to present Kobe’s enshrinement as a testament to their deep bond. Kobe had always looked up to Jordan, considering him a mentor, teacher, and friend.
Jordan, who saw Kobe as his “little brother,” shared during Kobe’s Los Angeles memorial service that a part of him died with Kobe.Bryant, who tragically passed away at the age of 41, is a unique legend who did not live to see his own Hall of Fame induction. During his illustrious 20-year career with the Lakers, he achieved five NBA championships, 18 All-Star selections, an NBA MVP award, and two scoring titles. His 33,643 points rank fourth all-time, with Jordan just behind in fifth place.
