Let's put it this way. If Kobe was in his prime in the 80's and early 90's when you could hand check, get away with more physicality, his game would be garbage. Now put MJ in todays league.....Sheer dominance. Not only would MJ beat Kobe, but Bird, Magic, Nique, Zeke, Bernard King, and any other gifted player from that era would smoke Kobe in their primes. Can you imagine Kobe trying to guard Bird?? The thought is laughable.