On Kobe and Michael’s Dynamic, Dynastic Legacy

The impact of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird cannot be understated when discussing the growth in mainstream popularity of the National Basketball Association. However, it’s the three-decade legacy of Michael Jordan, and the now stunningly departed Kobe Bryant that may be more important. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant achieved differently dynamic achievements. However, when examined together, a dynastic three-decades emerges. They are best studied via two five year cycles (Jordan from 1988–93, Kobe from 2005–10) which they dominated, and in doing so aided in the expansive growth of basketball as the best showcase of American and global popular culture. In developing as the best basketball players at points wherein uniquely, their incredible talent elevates basketball, sports, and the world-at-large, iconic legacies become apparent.

Michael Jordan evolved the National Basketball Association from being charismatic national entertainment to being an athletic love letter from America to the world. Comparatively, Kobe Bryant extended professional basketball into being a love letter from the world to its citizens, explaining how high-performance athletics can showcase the world’s most perfect harmony.