How much better is Kobe Bryant than MJ?

Question

Kobe is just amazing. The guy can do anything with the ball, unlike MJ. He took his team to the playoffs BY HIMSELF. MJ could not have accomplished anything without the help of Rodman, Kukoc, Pippen, etc.

Answer 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC5sW1Xnj3g

Answer 2

Are you serious? You must be confused. For one thing, Kobe did not take the Lakers to the playoffs on his own. Did he score every point in every game? Absolutely not. He had the most dominant Center to ever play the game by his side as well. Secondly, Kukoc and Rodman. Kukoc could shoot the 3 and Rodman was strictly a rebounder. That's the only reason those guys were on the team. Sound familiar? The Lakers have had similar lineups along with EVERY other team in the past. You need guys to shoot the deep ball and guys who can rebound and guys who can finesse the ball. My main point, though, is that- you take away Kobe from the Lakers in the early 2000's they still had a pretty talented team (Shaq, for one, stupid). You take away MJ from the Bulls in the early 90's and you got nothing. It's the blind leading the blind out there. Pippen, decent, but not a leader, not without MJ. Shaq would do just fine by his fat self.

Answer 3

This is a question that will never be answered properly because most of the people that are answering these questions grew up idolizing Jordan. He is like a superhero to many. People keep saying that Kobe couldn't win without Shaq, which is true, But what did Jordan do without Pippen, diddly squat! Kobe-shaq Lakers would kill MJ's Bulls. I'm tired of hearing about 6 rings to three. Horry has about 6 rings, does that mean he's better than Karl Malone or Charles Barkley? If those bulls teams played in the Western Conference today, Jordan would have Maybe 1 or 2 rings. Besides Magic was the Best all around player ever.

Answer 4

He is not better than MJ. What has Kobe done since Shaq left? All you need to do to realize Jordan's greatness is to look at the two years during the Bulls' run in the '90s when they DIDN'T win. They won '91-'93 and '96-'98. Jordan was playing baseball in '94, and wasn't himself yet when he came back in '95. True, Jordan did have some talent around him, but none were really great players, but very good players. He made them better. Can you say the same for Kobe? Do you remember Jordan against Utah when he had the flu in '98 when he was on the verge of collapsing. Now that's a man, and a team player. What did Kobe do against Phoenix in the final playoff game last year? He QUIT, plain and simple. He quit on his team, taking only two shots in the second half. Do you think Jordan would have done that? No, and he would have gotten in the face of anyone who did. You need to wake up.

Answer 5

This answer is not straightforward because its like asking how much better are apples to ice cream. Still, comparing Kobe now (he is almost at his prime) and MJ at his prime-

- Kobe to me has a more rounded game- he can shoot three's, set up team mates, single-handedly defeat a teams. Kobe has more profound life experiences (trial, serving as big brother to teammates, pounding by Shaq, high school to NBA) than MJ had at his prime which I would say may make him a bit more sensitive and mature than MJ in some aspects. Examples would be encouraging teammates (just ask Kwame Brown and Brad Sellers what MJ did to their careers and ask Smush Parker about Kobe) and handling criticism (notice Kobe's response to Shaq's post-trade criticism and Phil Jackson's book).

- MJ had more charisma, this means a lot because it forces a little fear in opponents and may weaken their mental focus against you to a little but significant extend (Jeff Van Gundy and Jerry Stackhouse complained this). MJ to me has more killer-instinct and the ability to lead a team to getting the game close then hitting the game winner (the most popular is the last shot he took as a Chicago Bulls member). MJ was more athletic and mentally tougher.

Its very hard to compare but with all things being equal, the player I like more with the ball is Kobe. MJ is a hall of famer for sure and can lay claim to being one of the best ever. However, the NBA is all about winning and both can hit the game winner (although MJ is more proven). However, Kobe can do some little but significant things better like set up team mates, hit big 3's which can make a difference when opponents crowd the lane or double the player.

Answer 6

No way! MJ is one of the best to have ever played the game. Kobe is a great ball player, but no matter how many times people try to compair him to MJ, he will never be him or be as good as him. He lost a lot of fans because of the stink that got kicked up between him and Shaq. And since Shaq left, he has shown that he cannot be great without someone like Shaq. MJ dominated the game and was the reason they won so many champioships and could have done it regardless who his teammates were, Kobe doesn't even come close.

Answer 7

In the big picture, not much. MJ has the tittles and MVPs! But as fare as individual talent, Kobe is the best ever, and will be for a long time. Plus, MJ is done and what he has accomplished is in the books. Kobe on the other hand has 12 more years and could have every think MJ has and more. So, only time can tell, but as a Lakers fan, I would say Kobe is GOD and MJ is St. Peter… or something like that!

Answer 8

MJ is still better than Kobe because Kobe can't play without Shaq. Those two were the perfect matchup. Plus, Jordan was more of a team player, and relied on them, unlike Kobe, who is the most selfish player in the league (I think)

Answer 9

They are very similiar players. However no matter what Kobe does he will never be recognized as a better player then Jordan. This being said, While Kobe and Jordan have the best skills ever. There career stats are very similiar to Wilt Chambelain However Wilt had way more rebounds + he never had a player to complement his game like Jordan had pippen and Kobe had Shaq.

Answer 10

Kobe i will be better when his career is over. there are not many players in the league that could guard him.he is the best right now and will be the best of all time. he comes up in the clutch and is a born leader. now for those that say kobe isn't a team player and is selfish then why does he lead the lakers with assists per game.

Answer 11

Stop using crack. No way is Kobe better. If he is as good as you say, he would have taken his team farther. Like winning the championship. How did Chicago do without MJ?

MJ is simply the best.