Few players in the history of the sport could replicate what Kobe Bryant did on the floor. Apart from all the accolades the Los Angeles Lakers icon gathered, it was his uncanny representation of his idol, Michael Jordan that stunned fans around the world. The Black Mamba was arguably the closest thing the NBA has seen to MJ. Both megastars were known for their fierce competitive spirit. Likewise, the debate always arises, about who would win if the two played one-on-one on the court. John Salley, a former teammate of both was once put in a tough spot regarding exactly this question. And his choice got him an unexpected punch to the gut.

Throughout his historic NBA career, Jordan had several all-time teammates. However, when His Airness was young and without a title, he had Charles Oakley by his side. Apart from being a rebounding machine, Oak Tree protected Jordan on the court. Whoever roughed up the Chicago Bulls legend on the court had to face the wrath of Oakley. The pair formed a bond that ran deeper than just teammates. Even after eventually splitting up, they remained best friends.

He was so protective of the six-time champion that even years after, he stuck with that role. Notably, Jordan’s former teammate, Salley admitted Kobe Bryant would reign supreme if they battled at the time. However, the four-time NBA champ made the mistake to say it with Oakley right by his side.

John Salley once got punched for choosing Kobe Bryant over Michael Jordan

Salley recently joined NFL legend, Shannon Sharpe, on his podcast ‘Club Shay Shay’. The former Denver Broncos tight end asked the former Chicago Bulls star about the time he got punched by Oakley. Salley said it happened due to celebrated stand-up comedian Dave Chapelle and Chris Tucker putting him on the spot. Notably, with Jordan sitting by his side, they asked Salley who would he pick in a game between Bryant and His Airness. With the Black Mamba in his prime at 27, the former Bad Boy chose him over Michael Jordan.

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Salley narrated the incident saying, “So Dave Chapelle walks up with Chris Tucker. He goes ‘Yo man, right here, right here, right here, one time. Michael or Kobe, which one’. And I looked at Michael, and Oakley’s over here. I don’t even see him put his glass down because we inside the booth.” He continued: “I said ‘Money, at 27 young fella would give you the business, and Oakley came out of nowhere.”

All Oak Tree needed was a sniff of disrespect towards Jordan and he swung right into Salley’s stomach. The four-time champion had the air knocked out of him by the 6’9″ forward. For all his three seasons with the Bulls, Oakley was the wall standing ahead of Jordan.

However, when it comes to the debate between Jordan and Bryant, several legends have voiced an opinion. Notably, MJ’s right hand, Scottie Pippen even said Kobe Bryant worked so hard to be like his idol, he wound up becoming better. In addition, Jordan himself admitted he wouldn’t lose to anyone but Bryant because he stole all his moves.

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Both the Black Mamba and Michael Jordan were similar in several regards. Consumed by a hunger to win and marching forward with a killer in their eyes, their ability in the clutch remains a legend even to this day. While pundits and analysts might debate who was better, one thing is certain, there might never be another bond such as that between Jordan and Kobe Bryant.