MJ Once Told Kobe 'You Can Put The Shoes On, But You Ain't Gonna Fill Them', Kobe Didn't Talk To Anyone For 2 Weeks And Then Dropped 55 Vs Jordan Because He Was So Pissed
Gilbert Arenas has become a must-listen for ridiculous stories. He’s dropping random tidbits like this and bringing up everything from our generation growing up. This time it’s both vintage MJ and Kobe.
As he says, the story starts with the game in DC where Jordan told Kobe he essentially was never going to be him. It didn’t matter how much Kobe copied his mannerisms, his game, his shot, whatever. Jordan would always be better than Kobe. He’s right.
However, no matter how much I hate(d) Kobe, I admire how much of a fucking lunatic he is. He’s one of the few people that would do this. Oh, I won’t be Jordan? Well guess what? I’m not going to talk to anyone for 2 weeks and then drop 40 in a half and 55 on Jordan’s dome piece.
At the same time, I love that Jordan knew Kobe wanted to be him. There was no one who fucked with people’s minds more than Jordan. He thrived on it. So knowing that of course he was going to talk shit to Kobe, especially after a win.
And, yeah, I know this is old Jordan. This is Wizards Jordan. The fact is it’s still that. It’s still Jordan. Dudes were still scared of him when he was on the Wizards and it’s still the name. That’s what makes it a story. Also the fact, as Gilbert says, Kobe is a fucking psycho. Even if Jordan isn’t guarding him the whole game, Kobe went in to the game knowing he was going to drop a ton of points. As much as I hate him, respect for that.
Calling out a man for trying to be you and wear your own shoes is so fucking diabolical. Gotta be an unreal feeling.