“Tryna get that Kobe number, 1 over Jordan”
Just over a week ago, Kobe Bryant passed Michael Jordan for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with a couple of free throws. There wasn’t a time during Kobe’s professional career when he wasn’t compared to Michael Jordan, and if there was, no one can remember it. The analysts and critics eventually moved on to compare Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and now Kevin Durant to the man widely regarded as the G.O.A.T., but the Jordan comparisons will always be associated with #8, then #24.
Last night, Kobe didn’t suit up to face the Bulls in the Lakers’ Christmas Day matchup, which they lost–thanks to a vintage performance from the man Kobe won two of his rings with, Pau Gasol–but he answered reporters’ questions, one of which was an inquiry into what MJ told him after those landmark free throws.
“Go get Karl.”
Jordan was referencing Karl Malone, who is currently sitting in 2nd place behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at just under 37,000 points. It will be an impressive feat, but Kobe is focusing more on how thankful he is to be in this position.
It was more of a thankful feeling to Michael and the players who came before because I’ve learned so much from them. And I don’t say that lightly. I’ve literally just stolen [stuff] from them—like spin moves and pull-ups. It’s not me passing these players. It’s us.
