“It’s just about the love of the game” – Kobe Bryant on if he would consider returning to NBA at 38 like Michael Jordan originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Michael Jordan‘s return to the NBA in 2001 with the Washington Wizards sent shockwaves across the league. But Kobe Bryant understood what kept Jordan motivated.
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In an interview with CNN TalkAsia, Bryant was asked if he would also consider making an NBA return when he reaches Jordan’s age. While he did not give an absolute answer, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar pointed out that anything is possible.
“It’s just about the love of the game, not just competing,” Bryant said of why Jordan was eager to make an NBA return at 38. “It’s a game that we all enjoy and we all love playing.”
“I know he’s training very hard to come back, and if he does come back, I’ll be very happy for him,” he added. “I mean, he’s playing a game that he loves to play, and he was the greatest of all time. Still is so, for him to come back would be a joy to the game.”
Bryant knew there was only one Jordan
Early in his NBA career, Bryant had already earned comparisons to Jordan. Despite being constantly likened to the Chicago Bulls legend, he never got carried away by the hype. Instead, he remained unfazed and laser-focused on carving his own path in the league.
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With Jordan back in the game, the comparisons were once again brought up. That year, Bryant was already a two-time NBA champion and one of the best shooting guards in the NBA. Nevertheless, he still refused to claim the title of being the Next Jordan.
“There will never be a Michael Jordan. All I try to do is be Kobe and try to help the LA Lakers win another championship any way that I can… I’m just a piece of the puzzle,” Bryant explained.
Bryant’s performances vs. older MJ
Though Bryant insisted that there would never be another player quite like Jordan, according to former Wizards big man Brendan Haywood, his performances against the older Jordan told a different story.
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Bryant and the Lakers faced Jordan and the Wizards four times from 2001 to 2003. In their final matchup, the former scored a staggering 55 points, sending a message to his idol.
“Kobe would always be trying to prove a point to MJ,” Haywood said. “So, Shaq wasn’t even getting the ball as much then because Kobe was trying to go off. I think he hit us for like 40 in a half in L.A. one time. He was trying to let Mike know that he was the next one.”
After two seasons with the Wizards, Jordan finally called it quits. He never made another NBA return since then.
Bryant, meanwhile, continued to morph into a relentless competitor. He went on to become one of the greatest players of all time and, rightfully, the closest thing to Jordan.
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In 2016, Bryant officially retired from the NBA at age 37. He passed away four years later and never had the chance to consider making an NBA comeback.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.