Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan: 1 on-1 comparison of two of the greatest basketball players ever

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan: 1 on-1 comparison of two of the greatest basketball players ever

Babu Tendu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:14 PM

The American top-flight basketball league has hosted some of the biggest talents in the game's history. The biggest names mentioned are LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. These are players who had stunning careers with their respective teams and produced remarkable performances on a regular.

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan
Get to know who had a better career between the two GOATs of basketball. Photos by Jonathan Daniel and Lisa Blumenfeld. (Modified by author).
Source: Getty Images

The late Kobe and his famous counterpart Jordan are known for their massive influence on their various teams during their tenure. Jordan is well known for his involvement in the growth of the Nike company as we know it.

Profile summary

Michael Jordan

Kobe Bryant

Full name

Michael Jeffrey Jordan

Kobe Bean Bryant

Nickname

Air Jordan

Kob-Me

Birthdate

February 17 1963

August 23 1978

Birthplace

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Calabasas, US

Zodiac sign

Aquarius

Virgo

Age

59 (as of October 2022)

Died in 2020, aged 41

Nationality

American

American

Height

1.98m

1.98m

Weight

98kg

96kg

Profession

Entrepreneur

Basketballer

Playing position

Small Forward, Shooting guard

Shooting guard

Teams

Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards

Los Angeles Lakers

Spouse

Yvette Prieto

Vanessa Bryant

Children

Jasmine, Jeffrey, Marcus, Victoria, Ysabel

Gianna, Bianka, Natalia, Capri

Net worth

$1.7 billion

$600 million

Social media

Instagram

Twitter

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan stats

In his 1071 regular season games throughout his career, Jordan averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.3 steals. His career field goal percentage is 49.7%, and his 3-point shooting percentage is 32.7%. He has participated in 179 playoff games and averaged 33.4 points each.

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Bryant has averaged 25.4 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals throughout his career. His career field goal and 3-point shooting percentages are 45.4% and 33.7%, respectively. He has participated in 1161 regular season games throughout his career, scoring 25.4 points per game on average. He has participated in 220 playoff games, scoring 25.6 points on average.

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan rings

Bryant won the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2008 and has won the league's championship five times (2000-2002, 2009–2010). In 2006 and 2007, he won the NBA scoring championship. He was ranked behind Michael Jordan in a 2007 ESPN poll as the second-best shooting guard in NBA history.

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan rings
In this handout image provided by Jordan Brand, Michael Jordan paid a visit to Palais 23 this afternoon on Friday, June 12, 2022. Photo by Jordan Brand.
Source: Getty Images

The 2009 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class now includes Michael Jordan. He won the NBA title six times. In 1984–195, he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, and in 1991, Sports Illustrated named him Sportsman of the Year. In 1996, he was named one of the top 50 players in the history of the NBA.

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan MVPs

Kobe has only received one MVP honour (2008). On the other hand, Jordan won it five times (1988, 1991, 1996, 1996 and 1998). Michael Jordan was named Finals MVP six times (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998). Kobe has won two MVP awards in the Finals (2009 and 2010).

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan championships

League championships are the highest honour for any NBA coach or player. Many careers have been called into question because the person couldn't lead his team to victory (see Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller, etc.)

Both Jordan and Kobe have motivated their teams to triumph at the highest level. Throughout Bill Russell's 13-year career, the Celtics' dynasty, which won 11 NBA Championships, was led by Russell.

The Chicago Bulls won two NBA Championships under Jordan's leadership (1991-1993, 1996-1998). Kobe contributed to the Los Angeles Lakers' "three-peat" and back-to-back titles (2000-02, 2009-10).

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan's net worth

The Los Angeles Lakers legend was one of the wealthiest athletes in addition to being regarded as a basketball great. Around his passing, Kobe Bryant's net worth was estimated by Celebrity Net Worth to be $500 million. This reflects the legendary basketball player's superb on-court performances. His endorsement deals were the primary source of most of his $600 million wealth.

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan net worth
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers adjusts his jersey during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 19, 2012, in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Christian Petersen.
Source: Getty Images

MJ was the highest-paid player for the Chicago Bulls and one of the NBA's most marketable players. According to Forbes, Michael Jordan's career earnings total a staggering $1.7 billion. Jordan earned $93 million in salary throughout his career while playing for the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, and his contract with Nike brought in more than $100 million annually.

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan games

They only faced each other eight times in the six years that separated them. In five of those games, Bryant prevailed, going 2-2 when Jordan was playing for the Bulls and 3-1 when facing the Wizards. Jordan managed seven games with double-digit scoring totals, while Bryant managed double-digit scoring totals in six of the games.

Bryant achieved the only triple-double between the two in the eight encounters. This incident occurred when Jordan was wearing the Washington Wizards uniform in a 2002 game. Kobe helped the Lakers defeat the Wizards 103-94 with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists.

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan points

Jordan has a record of 32,292 points in the top-flight basketball league, while his counterpart has 33,643 points. It remains a mystery whether the Lakers legends would have an even higher score if he were alive.

Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan awards

No one even comes close to these two players regarding individual honours and awards. The MVP, Finals MVP, scoring titles, All-NBA Team selections, and many other honours have all been won by Kobe and Jordan. They have won everything. Even though there are many players in the NBA, only a select few can take home these honours, and winning them all is all but impossible, these two are special.

MJ is clear in Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan debates since he has won more significant titles during his career than Kobe. However, they are both remarkably successful compared to other players in the game.

READ ALSO: Who are the NBA players with the most rings as of 2022?

Sportsbrief has recently posted about NBA players with the most rings. NBA players and fans consider winning an NBA championship the epitome of success. The victory cements the team and players' legacies.

Throughout the history of the NBA, some outstanding players have consistently helped their teams win championships. Who are these players? This article lists NBA players with the most rings or championship titles.

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