Steve Lipofsky (CC) / Keith Allison (CC)
Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan are almost more than NBA legends, and few players dare compare themselves to them. What’s even rarer is to see a current All-Star place above the two in a specific area. And the worst part is, he’s right.
In the history of the NBA, there are few players who can place themselves at the level of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, regardless of the field of the game. They were both formidable attackers, leading scorers in the league several times in their careers, and fierce defenders. If the Mamba does not have the title of Defender of the Year to his credit, he has 12 selections in the All-Defensive Teams.
And then MJ and Kobe were also two fine athletic specimens who were able to put all of their opponents on a poster once in the paint. Both have also won the Dunk Contest of the All-Star Game, proof that they had a relaxation well above average… And yet, a current player sees himself better than them in this area .
Zach LaVine sees himself beating Jordan and Kobe in a Dunk Contest
Passing through the podcast of Draymond Green a few days ago, Zach LaVine was asked by his host about the outcome of a possible Dunk Contest between him, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Vince Carter. The response from the Bulls All-Star was stark, the legendary Nos. 23 and 24 wouldn’t even make it past the first round.
Michael Jordan would have the biggest fan reactions, Vince Carter would be the most creative… But it would be tight. I think I would beat MJ and Kobe, and in the final it would be a bit of a coin toss between Vince and me. Honestly Vince could beat me… It would be the two of us in the final for sure, and I think the winner would depend on who starts to dunk.
Zach LaVine is confident in his athletic qualities and he could well see himself beating Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in the first round of this hypothetical dunk contest, before battling it out with the great Vince Carter in the final… An enticing poster that would undoubtedly give a great moment in history. And the craziest thing is that no one can contradict the Bulls All-Star as he has shone in the exercise in the past. For fun, here is the summary of his 2016 contest.
Zach LaVine can be trusted he is one of the best dunkers in contest history. He could actually beat Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in the field, although the two can handle themselves as well.
