?You Were a Dog?: 11x All Star Allen Iverson Recalled Iconic Michael Jordan-Kobe Bryant Match Up in a Tear Jerking Letter to the Black Mamba in 2020

The sports world took a major hit when NBA legend Kobe Bryant passed away in an unfortunate accident. Fans and influential figures from all around the world mourned the death of the Los Angeles Lakers legend and many continue to feel the void he left behind. While it has been three years since the devastating incident took place, the NBA world still remembers Hall of Famer Allen Iverson’s heart-wrenching letter to the 5x NBA champion.

About seven months after the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s untimely demise, Iverson poured his heart out on a letter dedicated to the Black Mamba on Kobe Bryant Day.?In one particular segment, Iverson talked about the first time he witnessed a face-off between Kobe and Michael Jordan.

The Kobe Bryant-Michael Jordan matchup left Sixers legend baffled

On August 24, 2020, The Players Tribune shared a heartfelt letter written by Allen Iverson. The sports world was hit by a wave of nostalgia as the former Philadelphia 76ers star mentioned several incidents that were etched in his mind. One such incident took place during a Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers game. Iverson mentioned that Kobe was only 18 years old when he went up against His Airness. It was then that Iverson realized that Kobe was a “killer“.

Furthermore, he wrote, “That?s when I realized you were going to be a legend in this game. You were going?hard at Mike that night. No fear whatsoever. I mean, I knew from passing you in traffic over the years that you were a dog. But when I saw you going at Black Jesus like that? That?s when I knew you were a kindred spirit.”

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Praising Kobe when he was playing against MJ was a significant gesture coming from Iverson. Given that the Sixers legend considered Jordan the ultimate GOAT, it was no small thing to do. While Iverson continues to believe that the Bulls legend was the greatest player, he considered Bryant a close second.

Iverson reminisced about his games against the Black Mamba

While they have only ever played as opponents on the court, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant had immense respect for each other. In his letter, Iverson also talked about his ‘war’ with the Lakers legend. He proudly shared how they never had any beef or animosity toward each other.

He wrote, “It was like heavyweight fighters beating the hell out of one another. And then at the bell, it?s nothing but love and respect. Greatness needs company, and we needed each other.” They faced off against each other multiple times, with the most memorable matchup being in the 2001 NBA Finals.

It was a historic postseason, to say the least. Iverson was named the MVP, and he led the 76ers to the Finals. On the other hand, the Lakers steamrolled their opponents in the West as they reached the Finals without losing a single game. However, they were beaten by the 76ers in Game 1 as Iverson put up one of the most iconic performances in NBA Finals history. That proved to be their only win in the series as the Lakers won the next four games to seal back-to-back titles.

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Iverson and Bryant are two of the greatest guards to have played the game. What are your thoughts on Iverson’s heart-wrenching letter? Let us know in the comments.