Kobe Bryant added another accolade on Sunday as he passed Michael Jordan to move into third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Many of Bryant’s peers congratulated him on the accomplishment including Jordan himself.
— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Try Me” T-Shirts? —
Magic Johnson also had kind words for Bryant, and Kobe spoke about getting the respect from legends and how important it was after the game on Time Warner Cable SportsNet via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Kobe on being respected by the greats, like Magic:"That's really what it's about for me, having respect from those who have played."(on TWC)
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 15, 2014
While many stars live for the adulation of the fans, Bryant most cares about the respect he gets from his peers. And in terms of that, he has accomplished his goal as very few players garner the respect he gets both from current players and retired greats.
While he is most focused on the Lakers right now, even Bryant had to admit that it was extra special to pass his idol, Jordan. Bryant has always said that he lives for the process, and the work that it takes to get to a certain level, and it was a long journey to get where he is now.
Just as important is that this milestone came in a Lakers victory, the third straight for the team, who is now 7-7 after an abysmal 1-9 start against the toughest schedule in the league so far. Getting the Lakers to remain competitive on a nightly basis is the most important thing on Kobe’s mind right now.
[divide]Kobe Bryant On Similarities & Differences With Michael Jordan