Craig Hodges on Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan: The difference is MJ's right hand

Their meeting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where they both played together and shared leadership responsibilities for Team USA, reflecting their brotherhood in basketball. Although they compete in the NBA, especially when Wade's Miami Heat beat Kobe's Lakers in the 2004 final, the two will continue to form a lasting bond, with Wade often using Kobe as a mentor and inspiration. Their connection remains one of the most enduring friendships in basketball, built on shared love for the game and mutual respect for each other’s greatness. Payton plays with both. He saw the reason for asking them to tick. The similarities are obvious: wills, big shots, killer instincts. But Kobe's two-way dominance stands out. Payton has always respected both. “They both have dogs,” Payton said. “They are both the same.” -via scoopb.com / May 2, 2025