Dennis Rodman, who had the privilege of playing alongside both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, recently shared his insights on the key difference between the two NBA legends.
In an interview with VladTV, Rodman expressed his belief that Jordan had a greater drive to win compared to Bryant. According to Rodman, Jordan took control of the game and had an unwavering determination to secure victory. He acknowledged that Scottie Pippen also possessed a strong will to win, but Kobe eventually shaped his game to mirror Jordan’s. Rodman further elucidated on the variance in playing styles between the two players.
He likened Kobe to a gymnast, highlighting his agility and grace on the court, while describing Jordan as resembling ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov. Rodman explained that Jordan played on his toes, swiftly shifting and delivering powerful punches in his gameplay.
Having shared the court with Jordan for three seasons during the Bulls’ second three-peat from 1996 to 1998, Rodman witnessed firsthand Jordan’s unparalleled drive and intensity.
Chicago secured six NBA Championships during that time, with Jordan earning three NBA Finals MVP awards. Following Jordan’s retirement, the Bulls dynasty disbanded, and Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1998-99 season.
Although he played only 23 games with Kobe, Rodman concluded that Jordan possessed a stronger passion for winning. During his tenure with the Lakers, Rodman claimed that his arrival had caused jealousy between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
He believed that the attention shifted from the dynamic duo to himself, leading to tensions within the team. Rodman noted that Kobe and Shaq seldom communicated with him, both on and off the court.
Consequently, Rodman departed the Lakers and later joined the Dallas Mavericks. After Rodman’s exit, Kobe and Shaq went on to secure three consecutive NBA Championships from 2000 to 2002, without Rodman as part of their winning formula.
In summary, Dennis Rodman, having experienced the playing styles and dynamics of both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, highlighted Jordan’s unyielding drive to win and emphasized the contrast in their approaches to the game. 
