I Wanna Be Like Mike

 

With Kobe Bryant surpassing Michael Jordan tonight for third on the all-time scoring list (32,293), it gives Lakers fans, like myself, a break, if only for a moment, to celebrate the Purple and Gold. We haven't had much to celebrate lately..., but I digress. I believe it is safe to say that Kobe is the most comparable we've seen on the court to the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) Michael Jordan. Grant Hill, Vince Carter, Tracey McGrady, Michael Finley, even Harold Miner, have all sparked conversation, and teased us with the possibility of filling the void MJ left. There were flashes, some MJ-esque performances and moments. Yet, whether due to nagging injuries; possessing good, just not great talent; or displaying what was perceived as lack of intestinal fortitude, these players fell short of being Jordan's heir (air) apparent. Kobe however, best harnessed the elite talent in addition with the killer instinct and what Skip Bayless of ESPN calls the "clutch gene" of all his generational counterparts. 

Many, early in Kobe's career, took the similarities as sacrilege. I admit, I was one of them. I mean the turn-around fade away jumper and elite footwork was one thing, but the mannerisms and gestures, even the walk, many thought was a bit much, a bit sycophantic. But could you blame Kobe? At least you can't call him dumb. Patterning his game to that of the best to ever do it - at least he's not dumb. And how many of us watched Come Fly With Me or Michael Jordan Air Time, and then rushed to the playground or our driveway to practice MJ's move? But yet, we hate on Kobe? Why? Is it because he got to live many of our dreams, which never traveled beyond those driveways or playgrounds? Kobe never cheated us, he even made improvements on mold he was stamped out of, in certain areas i.e. footwork, three point shooting, and ball-handling. Still, no one can say that they saw this coming, no one except probably Kobe. And there lies the most compelling comparison, the one that you can't help but respect, even Michael commented saying "he's as cursed as I am" speaking of the irrational will to win and the tenacity the two shared in their approach the game of basketball. 

I would’ve loved to have seen Kobe's record breaking points come in a more dramatic fashion. Basketball analyst, a couple weeks back were calling/hoping for a points explosion similar to what occurred in June 2006 when Kobe scored 81 points (the second most in a game all-time) against the Raptors. Even at age 36, in his 19th season, with the way he's looked so far, such an explosion seemed possible. But hey, free-throws count too. And what a great gesture by the Minnesota Timberwolves organization: stopping gameplay and presenting Kobe with the game ball, very classy. Ironically the historic night happened where the Lakers franchise was founded, Minneapolis. It was all very fitting, the self-proclaimed "Laker for life" and basketball historian, in the state the franchise started, passing his idol in points scored all time. It was a great night indeed!

So who's next? Malone (36,928)? Kareem (38,387)? Kobe would much rather be in position to catch MJ in championship rings. Like my mentor would say in our Kobe/Michael debates, "when Kobe can clap is hands and hear metal on mental, then we can talk about comparisons?" I still smile about that. And though I would continue to plead my case, in the back of my mind I know my protest is futile. I know the person I'm defending, would whole-heartedly agree with that statement, and argue no farther. He's certainly the last of a dying breed. Congrats to the Black Mamba!