Is Kobe Better Than Jordan?

By: John Frascella

Posted: 3/5/08

As I watched Kobe Bryant torch a formidable Mavericks' defense for 52 points Sunday, I said to a friend, "I haven't seen anyone control a game like this since Michael Jordan in his prime."

Bryant is undoubtedly the best all-around player in the NBA right now, and with his Lakers tied for the top spot in the Western Conference, he's the frontrunner for league MVP.

When Bryant toys with the opposition, not only does he have his man on a string, but also the rest of the defenders. He handles a double-team better than anyone - he can shoot over the top, dribble right through it, split it with strength or find open teammates on the wing or in the paint.

I can go on for days about Bryant's talents, but the question is, is he as good as Jordan?

Is he better?

I can't go all the way out on a limb and say that Bryant is definitively better. A statement that absolute would be illogical and unreasonable. However, I can't dismiss the possibility that Bryant is the superior player. If someone said to me, "Kobe is the greatest player of all time," I couldn't say they were wrong with conviction.

Let's go to the facts: Jordan won six NBA Championships in his 15-year career; Bryant has three rings in 12 seasons.

The way Bryant and the new-look "Showtime" Lakers are playing right now, I wouldn't say it's impossible for him to keep pace with Jordan by winning three consecutive NBA titles. But of course, it's a long shot. Here, the advantage is to Jordan.

Jordan was a five-time league MVP; Bryant has yet to win one. Since he's only 29 and his supporting cast has returned to legitimacy, I could see Bryant winning three or four MVPs before his career is over. But it won't be enough - again, advantage Jordan.

To Bryant's credit, he was the youngest player to reach 20,000 career points and was also the youngest to reach 10,000 points (until LeBron James surpassed him last week). He's equal to or ahead of Jordan's pace for career All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections.

You also can not forget about Bryant's 81-point game against the Raptors in 2006, which is second only to Wilt Chamberlain's legendary 100-point performance. Jordan's career high was 69 points, and that game went into overtime.

Bryant is also one of two players in NBA history to score 50 or more points in four consecutive games. Jordan was not the other.

All of these statistics and achievements make for interesting debate, but sometimes it's not about numbers.

Bryant is stronger and has better length than Jordan. Bryant has more consistent range on his jumper and is a far superior three-point shooter than Jordan.

But Jordan was quicker. Jordan was more creative and mesmerizing around the rim.

That is why this debate will probably never end. They will always be a response. Jordan and Bryant have an endless number of skills and accolades. It is extremely difficult to argue against either of them.

How to sum it all up?

Well, in another realm, Jay-Z once said in reference to Biggie Smalls: "If I ain't better than Big, I'm the closest one."

If Bryant's not better than Michael, he's pretty damn close.

John Frascella's column

runs every Wednesday.

He can be contacted at

John.Frascella@UConn.edu.