Michael Jordan paid tribute to Kobe Bryant and his career with a video message before the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, Bryant's last game in Charlotte. Jordan, one of the NBA's all-time greats and a majority owner of the Hornets, made sure to send off Bryant with a few words of praise and encouragement.
Michael Jordan wishes ‘little brother’ Kobe Bryant good luck in farewell video
The Hornets honored Bryant before his final game in Charlotte.
“Most people don’t realize you were drafted by the Charlotte Hornets,” Jordan said in a video casting on the Jumbotron. “That connects us with you. I’ve always been like a big brother and you like a little brother.”
“You’ve been a big help to the game of basketball,” Jordan said. “You’ve helped the NBA.”
Michael Jordan pays tribute to Kobe Bryant tonight in Charlotte! #KB20 https://t.co/MJRLMmv1lE
— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2015 The two stars' careers only barely overlapped. Bryant was either an up-and-coming star while Jordan was in his prime in Chicago or Bryant was a star and Jordan was in his final stint in the NBA with the Wizards. Bryant's team held the edge in the eight games they played, 5-3.
In the tribute video, Jordan compared Bryant to himself on more than one occasion and called himself a “big fan.”
He congratulated Bryant on an outstanding career, but warned him that he’ll have to find something to keep himself busy once his playing days are over.
“I’m pretty sure you’re just like me,” Jordan said. “You’re gonna have to find other ways to utilize that competitive drive.”
Jordan ended the video by wishing Bryant luck before the Hornets PA announcer sent Kobe onto the court with a rousing introduction.
“Have a great game tonight,” Jordan said before quickly correcting himself. “[But] not too good of a game.”
