With the NBA honoring the top 75 players during the All-Star game, there were some really iconic moments last night. Legends came together in one room to celebrate the league and its contributions. However, while there were many great moments, surely, none compare to Michael Jordan meeting up with Vanessa Bryant, the wife of the late NBA star, Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant meant more than words can explain to the NBA and its fan. His influence runs around the league to this day as he took the game to greater heights. When it came to the All-Star Game, the Mamba held most records. He remains to be the player with the most All-Star selections and has a record of 4 All-Star game MVPs. Through his career, he also racked up many more achievements that led him to be a member of the NBA’s 75 greatest players.
During the ceremony, Bryant’s idol, Jordan, shared a heartfelt moment with his wife, Vanessa.
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The special bond of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant
It was no surprise that both MJ and Kobe made it to the NBA’s top 75 list. Not only did they achieve individual greatness, but they became pioneers in the game of basketball. But what was more important was the bond they shared with one another. Jordan was like an elder brother to Kobe and he always looked out for him. Hence, after the unfortunate passing of Kobe in January 2020, Jordan was heartbroken.
However, he still kept close to the Bryant family. During the ceremony for the NBA 75, he shared an emotional moment with Vanessa Bryant. The two shared a long hug as they celebrated yet another achievement in the life of Kobe Bryant.
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Going back in time, it was in 1998 when Kobe Bryant made history and became the youngest All-Star ever. This is when he matched up against his idol, Michael Jordan. When he decided to take MJ on, the two exchanged a few fadeaways. And while it was competition on the court, Jordan saw the potential. He gave Kobe tips and since then, their brotherhood took birth.
Since that day, the two legends stayed close as Bryant tried to emulate his idol on the basketball court. With the same hunger to win, both Jordan and Kobe gave competition a whole new meaning, as they desired nothing but victory. With 11 championships between them, both of them proved to be true winners and their bond never faded away.
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Hence, even with both not present on the court anymore, their legacy lives on to inspire and motivate generations’ worth of players today.
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