Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

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While LeBron James is arguably the greatest basketball player since Michael Jordan, it’s Kobe Bryant who is most often compared to the GOAT Jordan. Both men had an incredible competitive spirit that led to greatness and run-ins with teammates.

Jordan didn’t care about all that. During his final season with the Wizards, he once told Bryant after a game that he could wear his shoes, but “never fill them.” Harsh words from a man Bryant grew up idolizing. In typical Mamba fashion, Bryant responded by dropping 55 points the next time the two teams played each other.