Renowned sportswriter Roland Lazenby, known for his work on the lives of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, revealed that legendary coach Phil Jackson recognized the talent but also the differences between two athletes. Jackson, however, didn’t grant Bryant the same offensive freedom that Jordan enjoyed, creating tension. Jackson viewed Jordan as a more effective player, with a 49.7% field goal percentage, edging out Bryant’s 44.7%. Jordan also dominated rivals from the mid-range, scoring an impressive 51% against double and triple-team defense, while Bryant was just slightly below the 50% mark. This dominance translated into more wins under Jordan’s leadership. Plus, having Shaquille O’Neal on the team, Bryant needed to outperform Jordan significantly to hold a higher ranking. Jackson once observed that Kobe had a fiery spirit that made him stand out while Jordan had a more coachable attitude, striking a balance between these two qualities.
The NBA in the 1980s was dominated by two major teams – the Lakers and the Boston Celtics, powered by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird respectively. Nicknamed ‘The Hick from French Lick’, Bird refused to be guarded by players below 6’6″, as he believed they could not stop him. This confidence stemmed from his dream run, where he bagged three championships and three MVP league titles. A significant chapter in Bird’s dominant NBA career was revealed by Rex Chapman. Recalling a game where his team, the Hornets, lined up 6’5″ Kelly Tripucka to guard Bird. Bird’s bemused reaction was swiftly followed by a burst of unstoppable aggression. He scored two baskets and one assist in just four possessions, enough to force a disruption in the Hornets’ defense. Bird also liked to assert dominance over those who threatened his legacy, such as rookie Shawn Kemp. Kemp burnished his reputation by breaking Bird’s state records. In response, Bird taught Kemp an unforgettably hard lesson in a game by amassing 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. His performance served as a stern reminder to all players – never upset the ‘Great White Hope’.
