Rare Footage of High-Schooler Kobe Bryant Calling Michael Jordan “Mr. Jordan” Leaves NBA Twitter Enchanted

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are known for their illustrious careers which include multiple championships. Over the years, they ended up developing a close bond with each other. Of course, their relationship began many years ago when Bryant was nowhere near the star he became.

The Los Angeles Lakers icon started playing at the tail-end of Jordan’s career and even came up against the latter a couple of times.

Naturally, any footage or recording of those meetings remains iconic.

How did a young Kobe Bryant address Michael Jordan?

Recently, a clip shared online featured Bryant and Jordan interacting. The moment was captured before a 1996 Philadelphia 76ers game when Jordan was still with the Chicago Bulls.

READ MORE: “Kobe Passed That Torch to LeBron”: Iconic Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Moment From 19 Years Ago Still Resonates Among NBA Fans

The reporter asked Bryant about the encounter. As per the five-time NBA Champion, it was a ‘great feeling’. After all, Jordan was the player Bryant always looked up to.

“It’s great when you meet your idol,” Bryant said, hoping to meet Jordan again in the future. “It’s a great experience”. 

An elevated fan reaction was expected.

Many users thanked people for sharing this video, while many were happy to see a young Mamba. Some even grew emotional after watching the video, noting how they watched Bryant grow. Of course, many loved to point out that the two players are also among the NBA’s greatest.

Bryant called the six-time NBA Champion ‘Mr. Jordan’ back then.

How did Jordan and Bryant become friends?

Starting out as (somewhat) rivals and competitors on the court, Bryant and Jordan eventually became brothers.

Bryant started by pestering Jordan, never really giving up. As per trainer Tim Grover, Kobe even waited for Jordan to leave so he could talk to him. Bryant was also the only one who matched Jordan’s intensity, which helped them bond later on. Ultimately, Jordan was one of the icons who spoke on Bryant’s memorial.

“Maybe it would surprise people that Kobe and I are very close friends,” Jordan said at the memorial. “Kobe was my dear friend, he was like a little brother”. 

Jordan’s speech bought himself and everyone else to tears, leaving no question about the bond they both shared.

WATCH THIS STORY: NBA stars reacting to will Smith Chris Rock

That being said, what is your favorite Jordan-Bryant moment? Let us know in the comments below.