Annoyed by Michael Jordan Praise, Kobe Bryant Was Forced to Make Rare Move Only to Prove His Worth

Kobe Bryant was a 5X NBA champion, also considered one of the best to grace the court. In a recent episode of The LADE Show, Metta World Peace, aka Ron Artest, mentioned how devastating it was to hear the news of Kobe passing away. He also recalled an incident where he upset Kobe with his comparison to Michael Jordan.

Metta stated how he mentioned once that Jordan was tough to guard against. And Kobe didn’t like his answer. He received a call from his teammate which was very rare since Kobe rarely called him. Metta got nervous and said to his family that it was an important call. “MJ was really tough to guard, but Kobe don’t like that. I told Kobe that I said that one day. I never get a call from Kobe, my phone was ringing. And you know when you get a phone call from somebody important I got to pick this up. I said hold on wife, baby I got Kobe calling me I don’t know.”

He said Kobe straight-up asked why Jordan was number one. And went on to explain to Artest why he was number one and better than Jordan.

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Lamar Odom recalling a similar incident with Kobe Bryant

Odom recalls a similar incident with his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate. After a game, Kobe came and sat in front of him and said, “I’m better than Mike“. He thinks it was after the game against Milwaukee where Kobe hit his 9th game-winner. The 44-year-old says when Kobe says something like this, he feels it.

“I am keep real with you, we were on the bus one night I think this is when after he (Kobe) hit his ninth game-winner against Milwaukee(Bucks). Kobe came on the bus and said in front of me and he’s like yo,”I’m better than Mike”. 

Kobe Bryant always considered Michael Jordan his idol. Yet when it came to being number 1, Kobe wouldn’t settle for number 2. That’s why he personified the Mamba Mentality.

Read More: Kobe Bryant’s Thirst for NBA Ring Led to the Lakers’ Playoffs Downfall, as Per 44YO Ex-Teammate