We've seen countless YouTube videos showcasing similar plays from the two legendary shooting guards, and the narrative has only been aided by the current great sticking his tongue out while he drives to the basket, shrugging after he buries a three-pointer and constantly working to add distinctly Jordan-esque moves to his immense arsenal.
No player was ever truly going to match the presumptive G.O.A.T., but Bryant did his darnedest and, at times, came close.
But as Bleacher Report's Ric Bucher explained, he began to differentiate himself by announcing his retirement and indicating that he was at peace with the decision to walk away from the game.