The first time Kobe Bryant met Michael Jordan was in March 8, 1992. As a former NBA player, his father, Joe, could facilitate that meeting. When the Chicago Bulls came to Philadelphia to play the Sixers, Joe was able to get Kobe into the Spectrum.
Jordan returned said "hi" back and handed him a wristband. There is no lasting evidence that Kobe was nervous, stuttering, or intimidated by Jordan. They didn't really have any kind of conversation. Fast forward three and a half years. In March of 1996, Kobe had another chance to interact with Jordan at a Chicago Bulls vs 76ers game.
The reporter asked Bryant about the encounter. As per the five-time NBA Champion, it was a 'great feeling'. After all, Jordan was the player Bryant always looked up to. "It's great when you meet your idol," Bryant said, hoping to meet Jordan again in the future. "It's a great experience".
The clip has since gone viral, as many were delighted to see a young Mamba. Some viewers became emotional after watching the video, reminiscing about Bryant's development. Of course, many people liked to point out that the two players are also among the best in the NBA.
Jordan and Bryant became good friends
The two would eventually become really good friends. Jordan would refer to Bryant as his "little brother," and Bryant would refer to Jordan as his "big brother," and they would compliment each other on their work ethic and accomplishments. But neither man would say much more, knowing full well that any hint would invite the kind of comparisons and debate they despised.
Their hidden connection was revealed during Bryant's memorial service at the Staples Center in February, after he was killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 that also killed his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others.
In an event where neither Magic Johnson, Phil Jackson, or Jerry West spoke, Jordan unexpectedly took the podium to a standing ovation from a stunned audience, and he quickly revealed the secret.
"Maybe it surprised people that Kobe and I were very close friends, but we were very close friends," Jordan said. "Kobe was my dear friend. He was like a little brother."
