Stop comparing Bryant to Jordan, Lakers coach says

By T.J. Simers

March 13, 2011

LOS ANGELES -- While admitting there are many similarities, Lakers coach Phil Jackson says you simply cannot compare Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan -- so everyone should stop trying.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times published Sunday, Jackson -- who coached Jordan to six NBA titles and has paired up with Bryant for five so far -- said it was unfair to measure anyone up against the Bulls legend.

"Kobe has patterned himself after Michael, and there are a lot of identical things there, but it's one thing to hope to be like him, it's another thing to be like him," Jackson said.

"We have to take Michael Jordan out of the equation. Stop comparing anyone to Michael Jordan. It's just not fair. He was remarkable. Kobe's in his own sphere.

"He doesn't shoot the same percentage [.455] as Michael [.497]. He has the same characteristics as Michael, but he's not the same player. It takes nothing away from him -- he's a great player in his own right."

Bryant, who feared his season was over when he landed awkwardly against Dallas on Saturday, has been listed as a game-time decision for Monday night's game against Orlando.

Bryant left Saturday's game late in the third quarter suspecting a dislocated ankle, before making a shock return in the fourth quarter to help the Lakers to a 96-91 win.

He was later diagnosed with a left ankle sprain.

"All jokes aside, I thought I was done," Bryant said post-game. "Like 'done.' I was just praying that when I stood up my foot was lined up straight. I thought I dislocated it."

Bryant did not practice Sunday -- receiving treatment instead -- but Jackson remained optimistic the 13-time All-Star would be available against the Magic at Los Angeles' Staples Center.

"We hope he'll be able to play," Jackson said.

If Bryant does miss Monday's game he will have a five days to overcome the injury before the Lakers' next game against the Timberwolves, also at the Staples Center, on Friday.