MICHAEL JORDAN is arguably the most fierce competitor who ever played any sport.
The NBA icon is considered the GOAT by plenty of hoops fans and one who would never shy away from competition or a challenge.
He is famously on record as stating that only one player in history could have beat him in a one-on-one game.
But while he paid the fellow NBA legend a compliment, he immediately took it back with a quip.
He said: “If I was in my prime, who would I want to play one on one with? That’s list is very long.
“I’d start off with Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant in his prime, LeBron [James] in his prime, [Dwyane] Wade in his prime, that’s a good start.
“I don’t think I’d lose, other than Kobe Bryant – because he steals all my moves.”
While MJ and Kobe had a rivalry during their playing days, the two became great friends after MJ retired.
The Chicago Bulls legend, who won six NBA titles, referred to Kobe as a “little brother”.
At Bryant’s funeral, Jordan gave a heartfelt speech and shocked the nation when he spoke with tears streaming down his eyes.
He said: “This is what Kobe Bryant does to me. He knows how to get to you in a way that affects you personally… even if he is a pain in the ass.
“Maybe it surprised people that Kobe and I were very close friends.
“But we were very close friends. Kobe was my dear friend. He was like a little brother.
“Everyone always wanted to talk about the comparisons between he and I.
“I just wanted to talk about Kobe. You know, all of us have brothers and sisters, little brothers, little sisters, who for whatever reason always tend to get in your stuff, your closet, your shoes, everything.
“It was a nuisance, if I can say that word, but that nuisance turned into love over a period of time.”
In another video Jordan admitted that at times in his career he struggled playing against smaller guards.
“The hardest opponent for me to play against? In terms of 1-on-1? Small guys,” he said.
“Allen Iverson, Damon Stoudamire, Rod Strickland. Those little guards like that, it’s tough for me. Muggsy [Bogues].”
Meanwhile, Inside the NBA analyst Charles Barkley made his feelings clear on the NBA GOAT debate.
Chuck also says he doesn’t have LeBron James above Kobe.
“I’ve never seen a better basketball player than Michael Jordan,” he told NFL legend Jason Kelce on his new show.
“I don’t even put LeBron above Kob.
“The difference is LeBron is a nice guy.
“Nobody ever said that about Michael and Kobe. Michael and Kobe are mean guys, they’re going kick your a** and tell you about it the whole time.
“LeBron ain’t like that.”
