Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant: Go Get Karl Malone

Dec 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) celebrates after surpassing Michael Jordan on the NBA All-Time Scoring List during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Jordan texted Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant to catch Karl Malone for the second most points in NBA history.

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant recently passed his idol Michael Jordan for the third most points in NBA history.

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When the two living legends spoke about Bryant’s accomplishment, Jordan had one message for Kobe, according to the Chicago Sun-Times: “Go get Karl [Malone].”

Malone currently ranks second all-time in points with 36,928 points. Bryant currently sits at 32,365 points.

Despite Jordan’s words of encouragement, it’s unlikely that Kobe will catch Malone.

Pro Basketball Talk did the math and it would take Bryant 183 more games of averaging 25 points per game for him to catch Malone. Considering Bryant is expected to retire in 2016, Malone’s No. 2 spot seems fairly secure.

Regardless, it’s pretty awesome that Jordan and Bryant had this conversation, given how much MJ has meant to Kobe during his basketball life, which the Laker also spoke about to the Sun-Times.

"“It was more of a thankful feeling to Michael and the players who came before because I’ve learned so much from them,” Bryant said. “And I don’t say that lightly. I’ve literally just stole [expletive] from them, like spin moves and pull-ups. It’s not me passing these players. It’s us. I’ve literally taken things from their games and made them my own.”"

Jordan finished his illustrious 15-year career with 32,292 points and six NBA championships. Bryant has won five titles in 18-plus years.

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