Michael Jordan’s Superteam vs. Kobe Bryant’s Superteam: Who Would Win A 7-Game Series?

Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan have forever been linked together for their similar playstyles, mentality, and obsession with basketball. Many have claimed that Bryant is a slightly lesser version of the GOAT, while others argue he’s a more evolved version. Jordan and Kobe are 2 global icons who both transcended the sport while taking its popularity to newer and bigger heights. Today, in a battle of eras, we build superteams around each superstore to see who will reign supreme over the other. 

The matchups today are built from the best-position players of Jordan and Kobe’s era. We will see speed and skill matched up against size and strength in a battle for ultimate respect. Jordan’s team is made up of some of the best two-way players of the 80s and 90s. Kobe’s team is made up of the most dominant player in NBA history, along with some of its best scorers. The intensity and stakes are high in this matchup between all-time greats, so let’s break it down. 

This is Michael Jordan’s superteam vs. Kobe Bryant’s superteam in a 7-game series.

Michael Jordan’s Superteam: Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Hakeem Olajuwon

Kobe Bryant’s Superteam: Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Shaquille O’Neal

Magic Johnson vs. Allen Iverson

The matchup between Magic Johnson and Allen Iverson should be a massive advantage for Michael Jordan’s team. Magic will look to constantly push the pace and get into fast break situations, given the personnel around him. When the offense does get set, Magic can really take control of this matchup. Entry passes and cross-court passes will be fairly easy, given the size difference between Magic and Iverson. This will also allow Magic to go to work in the post either as a scorer or passer, which falls in favor of Team Jordan.

This does not mean that Allen Iverson will not be effective. Despite his defensive shortcomings against Magic, Iverson is still a sharp-minded off-ball defender with quick feet and hands who will clog some passing lanes when given the chance. This will most likely get Team Kobe into fast-break situations of their own. Iverson is also going to get his shots up, and aside from Hakeem Olajuwon, the paint may be open to operate with an advantage toward Iverson’s aggressive style.

Michael Jordan vs. Kobe Bryant

Our 2 headlining stars face off in the battle of the shooting guards as Kobe Bryant matches up with Michael Jordan. With playstyles that include physical and methodic play, Bryant and Jordan are sure to be the lifeblood of this series and the show everyone comes to see. Jordan and Kobe were the ultimate competitors, so the trash talk and elbows are sure to fly whenever these 2 face off. Jordan will look to impose his superior strength on Kobe, specifically from the mid-range, which was his bread and butter.

Jordan can also take Kobe off the dribble if need be and oppose him with the superior defense on the other end. Kobe is going to battle, though and if there is one thing we know about Kobe, it is that he would never miss the chance to take on Jordan head-to-head. Kobe will also show off his incredible skill on the offensive side of the ball and make Jordan work with his swarming and smothering defense. The winner of the Kobe and Jordan battle may come down to stamina and persistence, considering the competitive nature of them both.

Larry Bird vs. LeBron James

The matchup between Larry Bird and LeBron James is one that is way closer than many fans will think. With Larry Bird comes a game full of skill, precision, and attention to the smallest of details while he picks you apart. With his pinpoint accuracy shooting the ball and ability to put the ball on the floor and hit teammates with difficult passes, Bird carves down opponents with his playmaking and debilitates them with his scoring barrages that never seem to end. In one way or another, he will be able to get things going against LeBron.

James has a few big advantages over Bird as well. The first of those will be physical with his size and speed. In his prime, there was no one better than LeBron James when he gets a head of steam and goes downhill to attack the basket. James will use this sizable advantage as both a scorer and playmaker, much as he has done his entire career. One would only assume that James will try and play big against Bird, getting him to the post or trying to move off the ball and lose him with his speed.

Charles Barkley vs. Kevin Durant

The matchup between Charles Barkley and Kevin Durant is a matchup of 2 completely different playstyles. Barkley is going to want to take the game to the post, where he can get physical on the block and position himself for rebounds as the great rebounder he is. Very rarely will Barkley want to try and shoot over the much taller Durant and instead will use his weight advantage over Durant in a more power-based game. If Barkley can get Durant to the post, expect him to do some damage for Team Jordan.

Durant also has a significant advantage over Barkley. As a generational offensive talent, Durant will have no issues finding ways to score against Barkley. With his 7’0’’ height, KD can shoot over Barkley from any range he wants to. This even means with his back to the basket, Durant will find ways to rise above Barkley and score. This will also free up the paint for Shaq and others to attack when Barkley has to step out and respect Durant’s shot. With his handles and shot-creations skills, I would expect Durant to have a couple of big games in a 7-game series against Barkley.

Hakeem Olajuwon vs. Shaquille O’Neal

Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O’Neal is a matchup of skill and precision vs. power and domination. Olajuwon is credited as one of the best defenders in NBA history. He can take any big man and make their night miserable with his ridiculous basketball instincts and shot-blocking abilities. On the offensive end, Olajuwon poses a problem for Shaq with his footwork and agility. Hakeem’s Dream Shake will be utilized to its fullest capability to try and take advantage of the slower Shaq. Olajuwon can step out and knock down mid-range shots if need be as well, which could open up space for Jordan and Bird to go to work at the rim.

To be clear, we are going to be using prime Shaq in his matchup against Hakeem. This is not the Shaq that we saw get dominated and swept in the 1995 NBA Finals. The best opportunity that Shaq has for success is in 2 areas. He will command the area from 5 feet away from the basket and in. Eventually, Olajuwon is going to concede a few baskets here and there, considering Shaq’s size can wear anyone down. He will also be counted on to run the floor, almost as he did in Orlando. Olajuwon can get up and down the court fairly quickly, so Shaq has to keep up and not lose his man.

Team Jordan Advantages

The advantages for each team are glaring at this point as we break down the matchups at each position on the court. The first advantage for Jordan has to be on the defensive end of the ball. On the perimeter, Johnson and Jordan combine size and strength for a well above-average tandem at that point. On the interior, Olajuwon holds down the paint quite easily, and Barkley provides off-ball instincts that could lead to turnovers. This is all without mentioning Bird, who has a nose for the ball and will play decent on-ball defense despite the difference in size between him and LeBron James.

The second distinct advantage will be passing and playmaking in fast-break situations. First, Magic loves to play a high-tempo offense and run as often as possible. Between Magic, Bird, and Jordan, the possibilities are endless out in open space. It bodes well for Team Jordan that they will also have trailers suck as Hakeem and Barkley, who are more than respectable finishers at the basket. The ball movement and transition offense will be a thing of beauty to Team Jordan’s advantage.

Team Bryant Advantages

Team Bryant will also hold a few advantages over the heads of Team Jordan. The first of these advantages has to be their outside shooting. The threat from outside begins with Kevin Durant, who, at times, can be an efficient outside scorer with high-volume attempts from that range. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James also provide opportunities to score from the outside and can knock down shots when left open quite easily. Team Jordan only has Larry Bird as a consistent outside threat.

Another advantage for Team Bryant is going to be their overall scoring. At every position that you see on the floor, Team Kobe can strike at any moment. Iverson can create his own shot off the dribble and will look to attack as often as possible. Bryant will attack the mid-range and outside. James will barrel down the lane for his opportunities while Durant controls all three levels, and Shaq dominates the paint. Team Bryant is an offensive coach’s dream, and will thrive alongside each other in a 7-game series.

Who Wins This Matchup In A 7-Game Series?

This series kicks off in Game 1 with our two headliners taking center stage. Kobe Bryant came out in attack mode with 10 quick points in the first quarter, while Jordan responded in the 2nd with 14 of his own. Larry Bird got involved for team Jordan, knocking down a few outside shots, and Durant did the same for team Kobe. In the end, Kobe helped his team pull ahead with 37 points overall. That and a triple-double from LeBron James fueled Team Kobe to a Game 1 victory, 121-115.

Game 2 marked a coming-out party for the fast-paced offense of Team Jordan. Magic Johnson set the tone for the entire game with 3 consecutive fastbreak buckets to start the night. Jordan and Olajuwon finished on the other end of 17 assists from Magic. Barkley got involved in the action with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Bird knocked down 4 threes. Jordan led the way for Team Jordan with 43 points on 17-23 shooting from the field. Team Jordan evens up the series in Game 2, 113-106.

Game 3 was more of the same to start things off for Team Jordan. Magic was running the fast break while Jordan and Hakeem reaped the benefits. Jordan had 20 first-half points, while Magic had 8 assists. In the second half, LeBron James and Shaq took over and helped build a lead for Team Bryant. LeBron had 33 points and 12 assists, while Shaq had 30 points and 12 rebounds. Team Kobe takes Game 3, 116-110.

Game 4 would be the game in which Hakeem Olajuwon made his stamp on the series. The first half got started out slow for Team Jordan, but they started to pick things up in the second half. Olajuwon did an incredible job slowing down Shaq and Durant on the defensive end of the ball and ended the game with 8 blocks in total. Jordan provided his normal 30 points as Team Jordan evened up the series once again at 2 games apiece, 104-98.

The pivotal Game 5 would be a back-and-forth battle between headliners Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan once again. Kobe started out red hot as he poured in 25 first-half points and stymied Jordan on the defensive side of the ball. In the second half, Jordan, Johnson, and Bird got back to their ways of pushing the pace, and Team Jordan literally began to run away with the game. Jordan poured in 30 second-half points while Bird added 20 of his own, and Team Jordan takes a 3-2 series lead, 130-119.

Game 6 would be a do-or-die game for Team Bryant, and they came out of the gates ready to play. Allen Iverson got his offensive game going with Magic trying to slow down LeBron and Jordan preoccupied with Kobe. Iverson would finish the game with 29 points and 13 assists as he did his part to keep the series alive. Bryant and James were stifled by Team Jordan’s defense, but Kevin Durant answered their call for help. Durant would shoot 6-11 from three and score 38 points to help force a Game 7, 126-109.

In Game 7, our headliners would take the center stage one last time. Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan lived for games like this during their NBA careers with everything on the line, and the loser goes home heartbroken. Bryant came out swinging with a monster first quarter with 15 points. Jordan responded with 15 of his own in the second quarter. The two exchanged buckets to start the second half until others became involved. LeBron James got going in the 3rd with 10 points in the quarter, as did Olajuwon for Team Jordan. In the 4th, it came down to Jordan and Kobe battling it out for the title. Jordan would have the last laugh with a monster defensive stop and emphatic slam to put Team Bryant away, 128-120.

Final Result: Michael Jordan’s Superteam vs. Kobe Bryant’s Superteam 4-3

Series MVP: Michael Jordan

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