Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers where he has played his entire career.  As Kobe gears up for retirement, everyone has been showing their respects including the Hornets now owner Michael Jordan.

Monday night was Kobe’s final game in Charlotte and Michael Jordan decided to honor him with a special pregame message video.

“I’m a big fan,” said Jordan, who was not in attendance Monday night at The Time Warner Cable Arena. “I still love watching you play.”

In the video, Jordan also calls Bryant a “big help to the game of basketball,” and refers to him as a little brother.

“We are very proud of what you have accomplished over the years,” Jordan added. “Have a great game. But not too good​”

I’m sure it meant the world to Kobe who has always looked up to Jordan and modeled his game after the GOAT.

The Hornets won the game 108-98.  Kobe scored a team-high of 20 points but it wasn’t enough to top a hot Kemba Walker who dropped 38 points.

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source: SI