“He attacked… I liked his attitude” – Michael Jordan on how Kobe Bryant impressed him in the 1998 All-Star Game

Even when sick, Michael Jordan found a way to perform. In 1998, MJ was not 100% healthy but played anyway since that All-Star Game edition could have potentially been his last. As most know, the 1997-98 season was the last dance of the Chicago Bulls . Jordan made it clear he would not return if Phil Jackson was no longer the head coach. Hence, it made sense that Jordan placed a certain level of importance on the 1998 All-Star Game.

With Jordan being under the weather, he needed something to light a competitive fire from within. That competitive incentive came in the person of second-year player Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. The 13th pick of the 1996 Draft was tasked to guard the North Carolina product and also show a thing or two on the offensive end.

MJ hails Kobe

Aware that Jordan had a brush with the flu, it seemed like the opportune time for Kobe to show up to Michael. Jordan admits he was impressed with the demeanor that Bryant showed at the time.

"He came at me pretty early," Jordan said of Bryant via the New York Times . "I would if I was him. If I see someone that's maybe sick or whatever, you've got to attack him. He attacked. You know, I liked his attitude."

Bryant showed off his high-flying skills and playground moves to finish the game with 18 points. However, Jordan did better with 23 points and, most importantly, led the Eastern All-Stars to victory, 135-114.

MJ didn't let Kobe outplay him in the All-Star game

On top of that, Jordan was also declared as the 1998 ASG MVP. However, the Bulls star made it clear that winning wasn't part of his plans. Instead, his performance was to make sure that Bryant would not outplay him .

"I just wanted to make sure Kobe did not dominate me. The hype was me against him. I knew I wasn't feeling 100 percent because I've been in bed for three days. He was just biting at the bit. I'm glad I was able to fight him off," Jordan said via Roland Lazenby's book " Showboat ."

Although he admits he had fun matching up against Bryant at the All-Star event, the experience did not change his mind. His decision to retire at the end of the season remained the same.

"If I can't continue to have fun, then it's not worth playing. If you can't have fun out there with an environment that feels comfortable to you, what's the purpose of playing?" Jordan quipped.

Jordan would guide the Bulls to the 1998 Finals once again and get his sixth and final ring. He would retire for a second time as Chicago went on a rebuild. As for Kobe, most know how the "Black Mamba" evolved into one of the big new stars of the league. He matured and evolved, combining with Shaquille O'Neal to deliver three titles to the Lakers (2000 to 2002).

Related: "Understanding the ins and outs of the game" - Kobe Bryant on how to become the closest thing to Michael Jordan