Kobe Bryant, who owned the 2000s era of the league, was a follow-up of Michael Jordan?s spectacular run. Jordan had a tremendous impact on basketball, globally in the ?90s. He won 3 consecutive championships twice, from ?91-?93 and from ?96-?98.?

Michael had played in 6 Finals, where he never took a loss. Also, Jordan made sure that his Bulls never had to face a game 7. ?Be like Mike? was one of the popular phrases among fans in the ?90s. Though being so popular and having a huge impact on the game, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant didn?t hear of Jordan.?

Kobe Bryant didn?t know who Jordan was, till he won his first championship.

In an interview with Graham Bensinger, Kobe Bryant explained how he did not know who Michael Jordan was.?

?Well, basketball wasn?t as global then as it is now. You know, so really the only two teams who got recognition were the? Lakers and the Celtics because of their obvious rivalry and the two players that they had and??

It is true that the community did not have a large and extended fanbase. The achievements of the teams or organizations were more popular back then. The NBA in the 70s and the 80s was dominated by Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers. Their star players were as popular, including Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.?

?You know when Michael came onto the scene, I was already back in Philadelphia. So I really didn?t hear about him till I was about 13 -14 years old.?

Michael was already quite popular, especially after his phenomenal season, in which he won the Defensive Player of the year and the MVP award. What was missing was a ring to his name. As the Bulls finally got past their rivals, the Detroit Pistons in the 1991 playoffs, and went to win their first championship.?

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Kobe Bryant was born in 1978. By the time Kobe heard of Jordan, the Bulls had won their first championship, which made Michael Jordan a household name in the entire country.?

Kobe was a big Lakers fan

When asked about his favorite player, Magic Johnson, Kobe said, ?Well yeah I was a Laker? big, big Laker fan. Uh? you know, Magic, Byron Scott, James Worthy, you know. The whole crew.?

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The hardworking teen always wanted to be a part of the Lakers organization. His efforts paid off, as he went on to play for the Lakers for 20 years, winning 5 championships during his career, including a 3 peat.

It is interesting how Kobe got to know about Michael Jordan when he was in his teens. Yet later on, his plan was to retire after winning 7 championships. Which was a target to beat Jordan?s 6.?