IFWT_Kobe Bryant Paul George

Kobe Bryant passed Michael Jordan for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.  The milestone of course helped beef up the ever-going comparisons between the two legendary players.  We’ve all noticed a shift however.  Though most people still note that Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time, players these days note that they grew up idolizing and learning from Kobe Bryant.  It makes sense since the younger generation didn’t really grow up watching Jordan in his prime.  Paul George notes that Bryant has had a similar impact on the league as Michael Jordan in his era.

Shay Marie

via LA Daily News:

“It’s so hard to compare anyone to Michael, but I think it’s fair to say Kobe is the second coming of MJ,” said Indiana Pacers forward Paul George, who grew up watching Bryant while playing for Knight High in Palmdale. “Kobe has transcended the league the same way I felt Michael did.”

Cleveland forward LeBron James recently told reporters he had a Bryant poster on his bedroom wall growing up. The poster served as an inspiration for James as he followed Bryant’s path in morphing from high school phenom to NBA star. Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant told L.A. News Group last year he endlessly watched Bryant’s scoring outbursts with hopes he could somehow replicate them.

Bryant proudly calls himself the “O.G. of the league,” characterizing himself as the NBA’s ambassador that imparts wisdom to any young star or role player willing to listen.

“I help them, mentor them and give them advice,” Bryant said, “because I’ve pretty much seen it all.”