After Kobe Bryant passed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, MJ encouraged Kobe to go after Karl Malone, who’s currently 4,563 points ahead of Kobe. Realistically, the Mamba would have to play beyond his current contract, which ends after next season, to accomplish the feat. From the Chicago Tribune:
When Bryant passed Michael Jordan earlier this month to trail only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone on the all-time scoring list, Bryant said Jordan’s message to him was simple.
“‘Go get Karl,’ ” Bryant said. “The competitor never stops.”
Then Bryant grew reflective.
“It was more of a thankful feeling to Michael and the players who came before because I’ve learned so much from them,” he said. “And I don’t say that lightly. I’ve literally just stolen (stuff) from them — like spin moves and pull-ups. It’s not me passing these players. It’s us.”
