[Bruin26]

Quote: Originally Posted by left4dead

23 was NEVER part of his brand, he stole it from MJ. That # will always belong and be associated with Jordan. Yet people criticize Kobe for trying to "Be Like Mike." Atleast Kobe didn't rip off his number (like that pseudo MVP in Cleveland). Maybe IF he ever wins a chamionship, he deserves to wear it. Until then...he's just another good, athletic player overhyped by the media who hasn't won jack and who pads his individual stats and is concerned more about moiney and fame than winning a title.

While I will agree that #23 is not part of his brand you can hardly say he stole it from Jordan. A lot of players where that number in the league and did long before Jordan wore it. You could make that case if he was playing for the Bulls and they allowed him to wear that number but come on. It is just a number.