“I’m Pretty Sure You’re Just Like Me”: When Michael Jordan Compared Kobe Bryant to Himself in an Emotional Tribute

Regardless of how rude and merciless ESPN’s documentary centered around Michael Jordan makes the NBA legend look, he had a soft spot for a junior. It was none other than the late Kobe Bryant.

Jordan was so affectionate about Bryant that he made a video that played on the Jumbotron, the night Bryant played against the Hornets for the last time.

MJ’s tribute towards Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was very similar to Michael Jordan. He had his head in the game and was on a different level of competitiveness. Earlier in his career, Bryant also trash talked to Jordan. However, the two ended up sharing a great relationship later on.

In the tribute video that played on the Jumbotron, MJ seemed genuinely moved. After all, he had seem Bryant when he joined the league. Now, he was watching him leave it. Jordan sure let his emotions loose.

MJ apologized to Bryant about his absence, and started his tribute by talking about Bryant’s early years in the NBA.

“I just want to congratulate you on an unbelievable career. When I look back at the first time we actually played each other, and the competitive drive that I saw within your eyes, even though the knowledge wasn’t quite there yet, it’s very invigorating”, he said.

Jordan, who was 57 at the time, made it a point to highlight the fact that it was the Charlotte Hornets who drafted Bryant initially.

“I’m very happy to leave you this message to say how much we are very proud of what you’ve accomplished over the years. Most people don’t realize you were drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, so that connects us with you.”

On a more emotional note, Jordan referred to Kobe as his little brother, saying that they always communicated and showed confidence in Bryant’s future decisions.

” Your next step in your next career is going to be something that I’m pretty sure you’re going to have to figure out. From a competitive standpoint, I’m pretty sure you’re just like me, so you’re going to have to find other ways to utilize that competitive drive.”

Jordan also congratulated Bryant’s wife Vanessa Bryant and his four daughters  Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, Natalia Diamante Bryant, Bianka Bella Bryant and Capri Kobe Bryant. Then, he described what a significant contribution Bryant’s career has proved to be for the NBA.

MJ ended his tribute by letting Kobe know that he was just a phone call away. He also wished him well for the game he was about to play, and for the future.

 “You helped the NBA. You helped promote it. I’m pretty sure you’ve got a lot of fans all over the world. I’m a big fan. I still love watching you play. I’m very, very happy for you and what you’ve accomplished within the game. I look forward to seeing what you do next. If you ever need me, you know my number. Let’s stay in touch. I wish you the best. Have a great game tonight, not too good of a game. But I want you to stay healthy. As I said a couple weeks ago, this is your last year. Just have fun. Take it a day at a time. Enjoy it. I look forward to seeing what you do after this.”

Jordan also cried during the speech he gave after Kobe died. It seems Jordan really was a softie when it came to Kobe Bryant. 41-year-old Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a tragic helicopter crash on 26 January 2020, along with seven others on board.