Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan: How Their 10 Best Statistical Seasons Compare

We're talking about two of the best all-time NBA players.

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant define winning, dynasties and the art of being "clutch."

Jordan never averaged worse than 28.7 PPG in his 10 best statistical seasons, but how does that compare to Bryant?

The "Black Mamba" has one less championship than Jordan's six, but Bryant can complete his second "three-peat" with another championship in 2010-2011.

Both of these men are comparable to each other in talent, and they've also had great sidekicks (O'Neal, Pippen).

When we break them all down, how do Jordan and Bryant's 10 best seasons compare against each other?

Championships and accolades will most likely decide who gets the edge. Let's take a look...

10. Jordan (1997-1998) vs. Bryant (1999-2000)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

9 Dec 1997: Guard Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls moves the ball during a game against the New York Knicks at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won the game, 100-92. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

Jordan: 28.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 46.5 FG%

Bryant: 22.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 46.8 FG%

In both of these seasons, each player's team won a championship. The difference in points per game is drastic, but only because Jordan took more shots. At the time, Shaquille O'Neal was the big scorer for the Lakers.

Both Jordan and Bryant played excellent defense, too.

Jordan won the MVP Award though. 

Edge: Jordan

9. Jordan (1996-1997) vs. Bryant (2004-2005)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

14 Dec 1996: Guard Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls (left) moves the ball as Charlotte Hornets guard Tony Smith covers him during a game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won the game, 87-82. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /All

Jordan: 29.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 48.6 FG%

Bryant: 27.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.3 SPG, 43.3 FG%

If Kobe Bryant shot a little more consistently in 2004-2005, he would've easily won this round. 

The problem for Bryant was that fact that he only played in 66 games. Again, it wasn't enough to beat Jordan.

Edge: Jordan

8. Jordan (1995-1996) vs. Bryant (2001-2002)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

6 Dec 1995: Guard Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls runs down the court during a game against the New York Knicks at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won the game 101-94. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights

Jordan: 30.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.2 SPG, 49.5 FG%

Bryant: 25.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 46.9 FG%

It was another championship season for both Jordan and Bryant.

Jordan was unbelievable. He won the All-Star Game MVP, NBA Finals MVP and NBA MVP. 

Again, Bryant was great, but Jordan scored 5.2 PPG more, and shot a higher percentage.

Edge: Jordan

7. Jordan (1991-1992) vs. Bryant (2000-2001)

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1990 -1991: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls goes up for a dunk during an NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Joe Patronite/Getty Images)

Jordan: 30.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 6.1 APG, 2.3 SPG, 51.9 FG%

Bryant: 28.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.7 SPG, 46.4 FG%

Again, both Jordan and Bryant won titles.

Jordan actually swept Bryant in every category seen above. If "MJ" was scoring 30+ points in his seventh-best season, no NBA great had a chance to best him.

Kobe turned heads as a youngster, but he falters to Jordan again.

Edge: Jordan

6. Jordan (1990-1991) vs. Bryant (2008-2009)

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 23: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against James Posey #41 of the New Orleans Hornets on December 23, 2008 at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

Jordan: 31.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.7 SPG, 53.9 FG%

Bryant: 26.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 46.7 FG%

There were too many similarities between Jordan and Bryant in these two seasons. Again, both men won and rings, beating their opponents 4-1.

In addition, they both played 82 games.

Despite Bryant's great season, Jordan managed to best him in every category. Amazingly though, Kobe was near the end of his prime, while Jordan's was just beginning.

Edge: Jordan

5. Jordan (1992-1993) vs. Bryant (2007-2008)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

9 Dec 1992: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls dunks the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers . Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

Jordan: 32.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.8 SPG, 49.5 FG%

Bryant: 28.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.8 SPG, 45.9 FG%

Not only were Jordan's numbers better, again, but he won another ring.

As for Bryant, he came up short in the NBA Finals against a new-look Celtics team. 

Things are getting worse for Bryant.

Edge: Jordan

4. Jordan (1989-1990) vs. Bryant (2009-2010)

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WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: President Barack Obama (R) poses for photographs with Kobe Bryant (L) and members of the National Basketball Association 2009 champions Los Angeles Lakers in the East Room of the White House January 25, 2010 in Washington, DC. T

Jordan: 33.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.3 APG, 2.8 SPG, 52.6 FG%

Bryant: 27.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 46.7 FG%

Interestingly, as we look at Jordan's best statistical seasons, he never won a championship during any of them. In this comparison, Bryant holds the small edge because he beat the Boston Celtics for his fifth title.

Jordan swept Bryant across the board again, so there isn't much to break down here.

"Black Mamba" did enough to win at 31 years old.

Edge: Bryant

3. Jordan (1988-1989) vs. Bryant (2002-2003)

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1988-89: Guard Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls (center).

Jordan: 32.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 8.0 APG, 2.9 SPG, 53.8 FG%

Bryant: 30.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.9 APG, 2.2 SPG, 45.1 FG%

Amazingly, Jordan recorded his top rebound and assist averages in 1988-1989. 

The competition is getting juicy now, as Bryant also averaged 30+PPG for the first time in his career.

Jordan was too efficient in the end though, so he wins it.

Edge: Jordan

2. Jordan (1987-1988) vs. Bryant (2006-2007)

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1987-1988: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls walks with teammate on the court during the game. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport

Jordan: 35.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 3.2 SPG, 53.5 FG%

Bryant: 31.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 46.3 FG%

Michael Jordan established himself as a lock down defender in 1987. 

In both of these seasons, Jordan and Bryant scored their second-highest point averages ever.

Neither man was able to win a title, so because of defense, Jordan wins this battle.

Edge: Jordan

1. Jordan (1986-1987) vs. Bryant (2005-2006)

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 25: Guard Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat and guard Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers look up for a rebound on December 25, 2006 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and ag

Jordan: 37.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.6 APG, 2.9 SPG, 48.2 FG%

Bryant: 35.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 45.0 FG%

Both of these seasons are marvelous. Jordan and Bryant scored their highest averages here, but didn't shoot to their full potential.

Honestly, except for the steals difference, each player's season is almost identical. The catch? Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a game against Toronto. 

Bryant isn't the better all time player, but he gets the last laugh here.

Edge: Bryant