Kobe Bryant hated talking about one-on-one matchups with Michael Jordan and here is why

recently released Episode 5 of Last Dance focuses on Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant relationship throughout years. episodes start with  1998 All-Star Game and include Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant's interviews as y discuss ir relationship. Bryant focused on learning from Jordan while growing up, while Jordan talked about Bryant's passion for game. 

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Last Dance Episodes 5 and 6: Kobe on Michael Jordan

episode starts with words 'In loving memory of Kobe Bryant' appearing on screen before y transition into 1998 All-Star Game. Foot of game plays as both Jordan and Kobe Bryant talk. Bryant, who finished talking to interviewer a few days before his tragic death in January, explained how he grew up watching Michael Jordan play and h  chance to go face-to-face with him. 

Bryant talks about getting to play against Jordan so he could experience his strength, quickness and speed. Los Angeles Lakers recalled asking Jordan about turnaround shots, who always gave a 'great detailed answer'. He referred to Jordan and his big bror who he could call anytime. Kobe Bryant even discussed people talking about m playing one-on-one, a discussion he hated having. He ded that he would never have won Lakers ir 5 championships without Michael Jordan's vice and guidance. 

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During All-Star game, Jordan is seen talking about Bryant's game. At time, Jordan said that ' Laker boy' was going to take everybody one-on-one. As per Jordan, Bryant was someone who got out re and took game, and he would t pass him ball if he wanted it back again. \

Bryant even ded that if Kobe Bryant was his teammate, he would t pass him ball if he ever wanted it back. Jordan said that if someone wanted ball again, y 'better rebound'. After All-Star Game, both NBA legends met on court briefly where Jordan promised Bryant that y would see each or 'down ro'. 

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1998 All-Star Game

Jordan was reportedly down with flu during game and might t have played. He scored 23 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds while also winning his third and last NBA All-Star MVP award. Bryant scored a team-high 18 points and sat out final quarter. At end of game, Jordan revealed that he liked Bryant's game and called it fun and said he liked his 'attitude'.

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant relationship only grew after game, as two NBA legends came to respect each or. While neir openly spoke about ir relationship, Jordan was one of few people who delivered a speech at Kobe Bryant memorial at Staples Center in February. 

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