Last week Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins went on former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson’s “All The Smoke” podcast. During his interview, he was reminiscing on the career and life of Kobe Bryant. Wilkins, who played against Michael Jordan at his peak, commented on the similarities between the two shooting guards. Wilkins said that Lakers legend Bryant was the closest player he has seen to a “Michael-like player ”.
Dominique Wilkins Calls This Legend Most Jordan-Like
Originally known for being a marijuana-themed NBA podcast, “All The Smoke” is still getting some of the best interviews in sports. Barnes and Jackson bring the perspective of having two of the most interesting and controversial NBA careers ever. Recently they spoke with NBA 75th Anniversary honoree Wilkins. They spoke about Wilkins’ 15-year NBA career, including his perspective on his and more recent NBA eras.
“Kobe [Bryant], an old school throwback with a new school twist.”⁰⁰@DWilkins21 shares his special moment with the Lakers legend.
ALL THE SMOKE with Dominique Wilkins: https://t.co/n8FzfNyObo pic.twitter.com/VVjM0Puw8E
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) September 5, 2024
One of Wilkins’ favorite players of the more recent era was Bryant. On the podcast, Wilkins mentioned Kobe’s attitude and mentality as the main reasons that earned his respect. Wilkins admired Bryant’s old-school mentality even during a modern era. His ability to play through pain, and his unwavering dedication to practicing at full intensity separated him from the rest of his peers. Jordan embodied a similar mentality. Although they both caused friction at times with opponents (and even teammates), they are two of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant
Bryant, who tragically passed away in 2020, is a Los Angeles Lakers legend. Even after his death, he continues to cast a long shadow over the world of sports. His 20-year career, spent entirely with the Lakers, was filled with accomplishments. He won five NBA championships, had 18 All-Star selections, and his name is littered across the NBA record books. But beyond the trophies, it was Bryant’s relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment to winning that truly set him apart.
Bryant embodied a fierce competitiveness often referred to as the “Mamba Mentality.” He wouldn’t settle for anything less than greatness, pushing himself and his teammates to their absolute limits. This relentless drive resonated with athletes across all sports. Many NBA fans believe the Lakers legend got the inspiration for this over the top intensity from Jordan, the greatest basketball player to ever live.
Kobe Similar But Not Jordan
Freshman MJ put Dominique Wilkins on notice:⁰⁰“The last two minutes of the game, a young kid named Michael Jordan took over by himself.”
ALL THE SMOKE with @DWilkins21: https://t.co/n8FzfNyObo pic.twitter.com/a6UAtxr5g3
— All the Smoke Productions (@allthesmokeprod) September 6, 2024
Although Bryant is undoubtedly a Lakers legend, he may not be the greatest Laker of all time. Magic Johnson or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have a strong case to be considered the best as well. This doesn’t take away from the legend of Kobe. Bryant tried his hardest to match Jordan’s career. His play style, mentality, and even movements sometimes seemed identical to Jordan’s. Kobe did fall one championship, four Finals MVPs, four regular season MVPs, and eight scoring titles short of Jordan’s legacy. So, when Wilkins says that Bryant is the most “Jordan-like” he’s ever seen, he doesn’t mean Kobe is quite on the same level as MJ. Nonetheless, Kobe is one of the most respected players and deservedly so.
