NBA: Kobe Bryant is the only player that should be compared to Michael Jordan

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: Michael Jordan and Jeanie Buss speak during the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 18: Michael Jordan and Jeanie Buss speak during the NBA All-Star Game 2018 at Staples Center on February 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 22: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against Tony Allen #9 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of a game at Staples Center on March 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 22: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against Tony Allen #9 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of a game at Staples Center on March 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

 MJ and Kobe (Defense)

As a result of spending a significant amount of time off the ball, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant were able to keep their defensive intensity throughout the game. For instance, they would routinely crowd the space of the offensive player forcing him to stop dribbling and turn sideways.

After this occurred, they would attempt to reach for the steal or run to a spot on the same side the ball handler is looking at to cut off the potential pathway.

After this happens, the ball handler has two choices, take a contested shot or pass the ball.