It's been revealed that NBA legend Michael Jordan once accidentally 'insulted' Kobe Bryant while attempting to give him advice.
The pair are viewed as two of the greatest stars in the history of their sport, with fans endlessly engaging in the 'GOAT' debate about the two Americans.
Jordan was feared by the opposition and even once admitted he'd do anything to win.
Despite the debate, Jordan - the older of the two at 61 - acted as a mentor to the late Bryant during his career, giving advice on technique and mentality.
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But Bryant wasn't always so quick to take on Jordan's advice.
LA Times reporter J.A. Adande shared the story on 'The Habershow' podcast [via Basketball Network], revealing how the 2008 MVP struggled with one comment from Jordan during 1998 All-Star Game.
After Jordan said "don't forget to stay aggressive", Bryant reacted angrily - according to Andade.
"One thing that sticks with me is he talked about how Michael told him at that '98 All-Star Game. Kobe said, initially, he was like, "What do you mean stay aggressive? Of course, I'm going to stay aggressive," said Andade.
"Kobe was almost insulted that Michael felt the need to tell him that."
As ever with most elite sportspeople, it's their self-belief and willingness to be better than the rest that sees them dominate their given sport.
However, eventually, Bryant took the advice, as Adande explained: "You know, it's your third game in five days in three cities and all of that stuff that comes with the NBA, and you're just dragging yourself to the arena.
"Kobe realised this is what he's talking about - You have to find a way, even in these situations, to stay aggressive. He was like, 'Now I get it.'"
Even if Bryant was apprehensive at first, the advice from Jordan seemed to work, as the Philadelphia native finished his playing career with five NBA Championships, two NBA finals MVPs, 18 picks in the NBA All-Stars team, as well as a whole host of other achievements.
On the international stage, Bryant secured two Olympic Gold Medals in Beijing and London, which further cemented his legacy before his death in January 2020 at just 41 years old.
Jordan was known not only for his superb ability on the court but his elite mentality, and once said: "I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in my way and my competitive enthusiasm to win."
Topics: Basketball, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, NBA
Luke Davies