Who's Better - Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant?
Just the Facts Please, Just the Facts
There are the Kobe-lovers and Jordan-lovers, and it's fun to talk about which player is really better with a beer in hand and the game on the tube. But an objective look at the facts leaves only one conclusion: There is no doubt. Michael Jordan was the better player, with the better stats, and the greater achievements.Despite what the Kobe-lovers may think about such a seemingly one-sided statement, we need only look at offensive output and defensive outut by career and individual season to see that MJ gets the nod.
Just because in 2008 we are able to witness Kobe's amazing athletic feats live on HD flat screens everywhere, it doesn't mean that Kobe compares favorably to MJ simply because many younger fans never saw Jordan play live.
Here are the facts...
Offensive Output: Jordan Has the Numbers
Scoring, assists, rebounds...
Defensive Output: Jordan Comes Out on Top
Again, whether looking at steals, blocked shots or rebounds - by career or overall best season - Jordan is the man.What many who never saw MJ play fail to realize is that he was one of the most feared defenders in the league. He had a way of disarming his opponents with smiles, jokes and back-slaps, just before the whistle blew and he once again stole the ball from an opponent who was suddenly not laughing.
Jordan was the rare offensive master who was also so effective on defensive, in 1988.
Career Achievements: Jordan Takes the Gold Ring (Literally)
Michael Jordan played on an NBA Championship team six times, Kobe, three. The 2008 Championship series didn't help make the case for Kobe either. Certainly, being able to lead a team to the Big Prize must be one of the most important characteristics in a truly great player.
Jordan was also voted NBA League MVP six times. That's five more than Kobe, and speaks to Jordan's all around abilities and ability to lead and inspire his team.
Jordan was named as NBA All-Star 14 times to Kobe's 10. But Kobe still appears to be going strong, and it was Kobe who set a recored for youngest player ever to achieve All Star status.
As already noted, Jordan was not just a great offensive threat but a great defender as well. Rarely does a truly great offensive player receive Defensive Player of the Year honors as MJ did in '88.
Then there were Jordan's two Olympic Gold Medals. Kobe's not there yet either.
Jordan and Bryant on YouTube
Poll Time! Michael Jordan Versus Kobe Bryant All Time
OK You Voted - But What Do You Think?
Here's your chance to weigh in on the whole Kobe vs. Michael debate!
So who is it? Who's better and why?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byMJ is the Man
MJ'S WIFE #23 says:
Jordan is the man. cant no ball player out look Jordan there should not even be a compare and contrast about who's better. because deep down in everyone we all know who is better. MJ all the way.
Posted November 10, 2009
Dino says:
comparing the games now and the past, the era of michael jordan is the most physical games comparing to now, today it's all about finesse, if michael is playing in this era he might average 40 a game....
Posted November 10, 2009
Steve says:
Jordan the great was MVP five times not six. Only the great Kareem won it six times. Jordan was NBA Finals MVP six times.
Posted October 28, 2009
Danny Fotinatos says:
Michael, is one of the greats of the NBA, Kobe Still has the court to play for years to come and show what hes got.
Posted October 27, 2009
josh says:
i say jordan is more of a father to kobe when it comes to baskatball and kobe is my all time favourite player but this son will always remain a son
Posted October 08, 2009
Mikko says:
i am an mj fan, but this site is not up to date, kobe already has 1 olympic medal and has added 1 nba championship to his trophy case, but either way, jordan still comes on top
Posted September 30, 2009
Kobe is the Man
BIGDADDY says:
Kobe is the best 2 guard ever, hands down. Most skilled player ever, if you know anything about basketball. MJ was nice, but Kobe is twice as nice. Kobe held his own against MJ in his first all-star game. Mike knew he couldn't hang with that much longer (retired second time). Kobe would have the MVP's now, if the voters weren't hating, especially after the Colo. debacle. Should have had 2 of Shaq's finals MVP's (couldn't even count on Shaq in crunch time). He will get the total rings, barring injury. Best 2, hands down.
Posted November 11, 2009
kobee says:
mama their goes that man kobe bryant! hands down the best kobe... its like saying who were better soldiers the soldier from world war 1 or from now??? NBA is way harder now than in MJs day but mike is still 2 best of all time after kobe leaves the NBA
Posted November 08, 2009
luke says:
Kobe came out of high school, so if you take away his first 3 seasons his averages would be closer. Also defences are much smarter these days, with coaches and players watching more tapes. Kobe has only missed the playoffs once so far in his career. Plus he should have atleast 3 MVP already, nash should never have won one when kobe averaged 36 a game.
Posted November 05, 2009
jared says:
kobe bryant is better because back then when michael jordan was playing, basketball wasn't that big of a sport and guys were really just becoming fairly new at the game and now today guys in the naba are stronger tougher, better and smarter for the game. i think it would be interesting to see how michael jordan would do in the league today. kobe is better but not by much!
Posted November 03, 2009
csdcds says:
they are both
Posted October 27, 2009
quils7 says:
This is a really hard one because they are both excellent players. Its too close to call
Posted October 15, 2009
For Kobe Fans...
Kobe Bryant Jersey: adidas Gold Replica #24 Los Angeles Lakers Jersey
Amazon Price: (as of 11/12/2009) 
Kobe Bryant Youth Jersey: adidas Purple Replica #24 Los Angeles Lakers Jersey
Amazon Price: (as of 11/12/2009)
Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers 2008 MVP T-shirt
Amazon Price: (as of 11/12/2009)
For MJ Fans...
NBA: Ultimate Jordan (20th Anniversary Three-Disc Collector's Edition)
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 11/12/2009)
Michael Jordan: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
Amazon Price: $28.00 (as of 11/12/2009)
Read More on the Kobe Versus MJ Debate
Comparison of the two great athletes when they were each 22 years old.
The Gretest Basketball Player Ever
One writer's point of view, from the LA Sentinel.
Kobe Bryant May Be Better Than Michael Jordan
Another take on Kobe's overall, and recent, performance.
Squidoo Member Comments
quils7 wrote...
Michael Jordan has an edge but Kobe's career is not quite finished yet so don't hold your breaths folks, he has just won an Olympic Gold and another Championship Ring ... Hopefully, there are more to come.
Posted October 15, 2009
rydigga wrote...
Very nice lens. MJ is definitely better although Kobe is a tremendous talent. I think that Lebron can rival MJ by the time the championships start rolling in. He does many of the same things as Jordan except he's 6-9 and 270 and a better passer.
Posted May 23, 2009
Jesi wrote...
Nice lens about Michael Jodan and Kobe Bryant, Wherease I think, Jordan it best
Posted November 21, 2008
Matthew_Ferry wrote...
Michael Jordan is far far far more better than Kobe Bryant..and that's the fact =)
Great Lens..I enjoy it much..5 awesome stars for this lens..
Posted June 30, 2008
by Curious100
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