Craig Hodges on Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan: The difference was MJ’s right hand

Their meeting in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where they both played together for Team USA and shared leadership duties, epitomized their brotherhood in basketball. Despite their rivalry in the NBA, particularly when Wade’s Miami Heat bested Kobe’s Lakers in the 2004 Finals, the two would go on to form a lasting bond, with Wade often speaking of Bryant as a mentor and an inspiration. Their connection remains one of the most enduring friendships in basketball, built on a shared love for the game and a mutual respect for each other’s greatness. Payton played with both. He saw what made them tick. The similarities were clear: the will, the big shots, the killer instinct. But Kobe’s two-way dominance stood out.Still, Payton has nothing but respect for both. “They both had the dog in ‘em,” said Payton. “They were both the same.” -via ScoopB.com / May 2, 2025

Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant shared a unique and respectful relationship both on and off the court, forged through mutual admiration and fierce competition. As two of the most dynamic and accomplished shooting guards of their era, their battles in the NBA Finals, All-Star Games, and Olympics showcased a deep respect for each other’s game. Wade, known for his explosive athleticism, tenacious defense and ability to take over games in critical moments, often found himself in the shadow of Bryant’s larger-than-life persona and his relentless drive for perfection. Kobe, with his meticulous work ethic and insatiable competitive fire, was a role model for many young players, including Wade, who once admitted to modeling parts of his game after Bryant’s. -via ScoopB.com / May 2, 2025

“Kobe is L.A. He and Gigi mean so much to this city, to the Lakers organization and to me personally,” Doncic said when asked about the donation Tuesday. “I’m happy to do anything to help make sure he and his daughter are honored.” -via Los Angeles Times / April 29, 2025

Jorge Sierra: Jimmy Butler moved ahead of Kevin Garnett in playoff scoring and is now No. 41. He also tied Michael Jordan in three-pointers at No. 62. Addendum: Steven Adams passed Gilbert Arenas in scoring, Blake Griffin in rebounds and Theo Ratliff in blocks. -via Bluesky / May 3, 2025

TJ McConnell: Cam Johnson’s my guy. I love that dude. But to say I was the Michael Jordan of Pittsburgh it’s egregious. It’s probably the most egregious stand I’ve ever made in my life. It’s ridiculous. I had a really good high school career and I shot the ball a bunch. I had the ultimate green light. I had great teammates who just kept passing it to me and my dad was my coach who just pushed me to get where I’m at today. Going Division I at Duquesne and Arizona even I slowly started to transition to know that um I’m going to be a point guard. I was more of a shooting guard in high school and shot a ton of threes. -via YouTube / May 1, 2025

Rick Cordella: Very, very small amount people were actually in Chicago stadium, you know, hearing “Sirius” by the Alan Parsons Project and “6’6 from North Carolina”, etc. The reason why people know it so well, because NBC showed it. And so I think that’s part of it, too. Like, let’s get in and show the atmosphere. Make this seem like a big game. And so you’ll see that. And you know, we’ll have our talent on site at the arenas on Sunday nights. We have Sunday night basketball to just again, make it feel like this is a big thing. And similar to Sunday Night Football it is the game of the week. -via Awful Announcing / May 1, 2025