Jordan's early advice for Kobe Bryant: 'Stay aggressive' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant matching up in the 1998 NBA All-Star game represented a tale of two all-timers -- one just beginning his meteoric rise, while one prepared to dismount the zenith of the basketball universe.
It also represented a passing of the torch, a dynamic Jordan evidently realized. In NBC Sports' newest chapter of the "Sports Uncovered" podcast series, titled "My Favorite Kobe Story," former Chicago Sun-Times and Los Angeles Times reporter J.A. Adande recounted a piece of advice Jordan offered his protégé.
"One thing that sticks with me is he (Kobe) talked about how Michael told him at that ‘98 All-Star Game, he said ‘don't forget to stay aggressive.’" Adande said. "And Kobe said, initially he was like, ‘What do you mean stay aggressive? Of course I’m gonna stay aggressive.’ Kobe was almost insulted that Michael felt the need to tell him that."
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Such a response might have been expected from Bryant, who was then in his second NBA season and making his first All-Star appearance. Jordan was in his 13th year, appearing in his final showcase as a Bull and on the path to his sixth NBA title.
Over time, his counsel proved prescient.
"And then as the second half of the season went on, and you know, it’s your third game in five days in three cities and all of that stuff that comes with the NBA and you’re just dragging yourself to the arena. And Kobe realized this is what he’s talking about," Adande said. "That you have to find a way even in these situations to stay aggressive. He was like ‘now I get it.’”
Bryant went on to nearly match his one-time idol, claiming five titles across 20 seasons.
Between his retirement and unfortunate passing in a helicopter accident in January 2020, Bryant and Jordan grew increasingly close. Check out the podcast for more.
