“In some ways, Kobe was self-made. People forget that. He was an 18-year-old kid that made himself into one of the best… He should be a great role model for a lot of kids who at 18 may not want to go to college, that may want to play basketball somewhere.” Michael Jordan once proudly shared the qualities of Kobe Bryant that others should instill. And the upcoming docuseries of the Lakers icon will do that. In a snippet about the documentary, another NBA icon stated the willpower of young Kobe.

“All the time, I mean, I used to hear, ‘I’m better than Michael Jordan.’He used to say that faithfully.” In the clip shared by Bleacher Report, NBA icon Tracy McGrady is part of the CNN documentary. “‘I’m better than Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan ain’t got nothing on me.’ And I was like, ‘This dude is insane.‘” Apart from him, another Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes, and current Knicks captain and 2x All-Star Jalen Brunson, will also feature.

“Kobe: The Making of a Legend,” a three-part documentary series chronicling the life and legacy of the 5x NBA Champion. Even his high school teammates Guy Stewart, and Robby Schwartz and high school teacher Jeanne Mastriano will also share their insights. Interestingly, it’s not the first time that Black Mamba has made the comparison with the Bulls legend. Former teammate Lamar Odom once shared the story during the 2009-10 season, where after a game, Kobe Bryant made the proclamations.

“I’m gonna keep it real with you. We were on the bus one night, I think this was after he hit his ninth game-winner, against Milwaukee. (Kobe) came on the bus and in front of me and Phil (Jackson), he was just like ‘Yo, I’m better than Mike.’ I said ‘What?!’ He said ‘Yo, I’m better than Mike.'” Even Odom didn’t believe for a second when Kobe Bryant compared himself with the 6x NBA Champion. But later understood why the Lakers legend believed in himself.

“I was like ‘Bean, you’re going a long way with that.’ I was like ‘What, you’re better than Mike? That’s how you’re feeling?’ If he really said that, you know he felt it. He hit nine walk-offs that season. Nine walk-offs, ’Three, two, one…’ He hit nine in one season.” That self-confidence never hindered the Lakers’ legend in forming a strong bond with Michael Jordan. Which the latter shared in a teary-eyed speech.

Kobe Bryant and his brotherly love for His Airness

MJ detailed once, “I don’t know why, but I just can’t delete it.” Michael Jordan explained he had Kobe’s last text message to him on his cell phone. Because of their bond, it was difficult for him to simply delete it. Even during the memorial service for the Lakers legend, the Bulls legend couldn’t hold his tears. “I promise you, from this day forward, I will live with the memories and knowing that I had a little brother.” Even though there have been comparisons between their games, Kobe Bryant very clearly refused those claims.

“I don’t get five championships here without him because he guided me so much and gave so much great advice.” In one episode of The Last Dance, the Lakers credited MJ as a “big brother” and praised him for his guidance throughout his career. Reportedly, the Lakers legend even skipped college so he could face his elder brother.

So, it comes as no surprise that he was not afraid to face Michael Jordan in battles. No doubt, the CNN documentary would provide more interviews and provide fans all over the world with more Kobe Bryant memories.