LOS ANGELES, United States — Michael Jordan paid tribute to Kobe Bryant in a pre-game video before Monday night’s matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets.
Jordan, who owns the Hornets, did not attend the game but made sure the retiring Bryant got a warm send off from the Charlotte organization.
“I’m a big fan,” said Jordan. “I still love watching you play.”
In the video, Jordan describes the 37-year-old Bryant as a “big help to the game of basketball.” He then refers to him as a little brother.
“We are very proud of what you have accomplished over the years. Have a great game. But not too good.”
Jordan’s Hornets topped the Lakers, 108-98, with Bryant finishing with 20 points on a 5-of-20 shooting from the field, to go with four rebounds and two assists in his final game in Charlotte.
Jordan also gave Bryant, who announced recently he would retire at the end of the 2015–16 season, some tips on how to enjoy his final season in the league.
“This is your last year. Just have fun, take a day at a time, enjoy it, and I look forward on seeing what you’ll do after this.”
Often compared to each other, Bryant and Jordan both won numerous championships under coach Phil Jackson’s triangle offense.
Jordan, though, has six fingers filled with championship rings compared to Bryant’s five after two three-peats with the Chicago Bulls back in the 90s.
But “The Black Mamba” surpassed “His Airness” in NBA’s all-time scoring list early in December, claiming the number three-spot and elapsing Jordan’s career 32,292 points.